MDs Receive Health Policy Briefings P hysicians from Milwaukee County joined collegues from around the state in late February as they traveled to Madison for the State Medical Society s sixth legislative policy briefing. Wisconsin Gubernatorial hopefuls and government agency leaders were on hand. Federal Regulations Unclear Fifth District Congressman Tom Barrett did not confirm nor would he discourage a widely held belief that he intends to run for Governor in 2002. Consumer groups feel the rules are too weak.
Providers feel the rules are too burdensome.
Congressional debate on a patient bill of rights will resume but support from the Bush administration is not expected to be forceful. A bill of rights law that is in effect in Texas became law without then Governor Bush s signature. Employer groups remain concerned over possible liability for the actions or inactions of their health insurance plans. There is also a question over the bill s scope, Barrett noted. Medicare is also in need of Congressional attention.