The research also shows that while many people have heard of the idea of a patient's bill of rights, few people know that President Clinton is considering a proposal to establish one nationally. Americans want a clear statement of what they can expect from hospitals and healthcare providers, but they are worried about extensive government involvement and the potential cost of the President's plan. Those of us in the healthcare industry must lead by providing a straightforward alternative that takes those concerns into account. When it comes to the establishment of a national patient's bill of rights and the role of the government, the public is divided and ambivalent. However, when given a choice, only one in four survey respondents view establishing patient care guidelines as the responsibility of the federal government, and only one in five view it as the responsibility of state governments.
Half believe that no government mandate is appropriate.
Among those respondents who favor government establishment of a bill of rights, there is no clear consensus as to who should oversee enforcement. When presented with a range of enforcement methods, three quarters favor the establishment of a government oversight agency. About one third would favor oversight by the healthcare industry itself. Public ambivalence is further reflected in the question of cost. We have endorsed and promoted them for years.