Face to face meetings are most effective. Members of the Chapter's Health Care Policy and Practice Network, which is leading the Chapter's efforts in this matter, stress the objectives of ensuring a full review and discussion of these proposals at all levels of government. Assemblyman Richard Gottfried, Chairman of the Assembly Health Committee, is considering holding hearings. The Chapter leadership and related organizations will be meeting with Senate and Assembly leadership as well as DOH officials. Much of the discussion and decision making will take place in the Hospital Review and Planning Council.
Plans are underway to meet with members of that body.
The leadership of the organi-zations involved in the campaign to prevent the Governor's proposals from taking effect are mindful of the rapid changes in health care delivery and the need to consider changes to ensure continued protection for patients and the capacity for maintaining professional services on behalf of patients. Such a review would seek to improve protections in the new environment, not to remove them. Social workers need to use all their communication skills to clarify patient needs and the value of the professional social work role.