Montana labor news., 1939-08-31
Statement On National
Health Bill by Murray
Continued from Page Cd

Continued from Page g.
are receiving the most careful con-
sideration of the committee are the
following:
81. Better coordination of the adj
ministrative provisions of the bill, at
both the federal and state levels.
20. Qualification of the intent of
the bill to utilize and encourage CO
operative arrangements with medi-
cal, nursing and welfare groups and
organizations.
80. Provision of additional safe
guards to insure that new hospital
construction will be financed only
where clear need is shown, after
comprehensive local surveys. It is
not the intention of the sponsor of
the bill nor of the committee to
finance new public hospitals in COM
munities where they are not need
ed or where voluntary hospitals are
already serving or may in the flu
ture adequately serve the commu-
nity's needs. Every informed citi-
zen knows of the vital role which
the voluntary organizations have
played in the development of our
professions, our hospitals, and our
health facilities generally. The con-
tinued vigorous activity of these vol
untary organizations is an integral
part of a long-range national health
program.
"a. Qualification of the intent of
the bill to authorize payments for
services furnished by voluntary hos
pitfalls and other private agencies.
The fullest use of qualified existing
hospitals is n of the simplest and
most direct methods to achieve the
detectives of the bill to bring more
adequate medical care to all the
people. By aiding to fill empty beds
in qualified hospitals, the federal
government can best serve those
communities where the need for
service exists and is not being met
because of lack of economic re-
sources. The bill should be amend
ed to make absolutely certain its in
tent to continue the practice fol-
lowed under the present Social Sc
curity Act, of full utilization of
qualified voluntary hospitals and
agencies.
IS. Expansion of governmental ac-
tivities in the field of industrial
health and protection against indus
trial hazards. Title vi of the bill
as introduced makes available to the
health departments federal assist
ance in the development of industrial
hygiene, knowledge and skills, the
performance of studies of occupation
disease, disability and hazards to
health, and activities relating to gem
eral health of the industrial worker.
We are giving careful consideration
to the adoption of a new Title XIV,
for federal aid through state labor
departments, toward the study and
control of working conditions and
practices involving health and safety
hazards in industrial establishments,
the development and enforcement of
pertinent rules and the strengthen
ing of workmen's compensation laws.
These functions complement one an
other; both r necessary to a pro-
gram of health protection for those
who toll in the factories and in the
mines.
IS. Specific provision for aid in
health education of the public.
Some misunderstanding seem to
have arisen and criticisms have been
expressed concerning parts of the
bill. Some witnesses have assumed
that it would bring about revolu-
tionary or dangerous changes in
medical care. These fears are I'M
warranted, but the committee will
welcome further suggestions as to
specific amendments which may
safeguard the detectives of the bill.
Medical science has reached a COM
mendable status in this country. The
bill should encourage the further
evolutionary development of medi-
cal science, teaching, and practice.
"The subcommittee will continue
its study and consultation with a
view of undertaking to provide
necessary and desirable changes and
Improvements in the text of the bill
and filing a final report soon after
the beginning of the next session of
Congress-"
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