As part of a continuing effort to ensure the American public has the most accurate and truthful information available when making critical healthcare decisions, the American Academy of Otolaryngology ? Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) strongly supports H.R. 2260, the Healthcare Truth and Transparency Act of 2007.
The bipartisan bill, sponsored by Rep. Jim McDermott, MD (D-WA) and Rep. John Sullivan (R-OK), was introduced in the United States House of Representatives on Thursday, May 10, 2007.
The bill represents a major step forward in prohibiting misleading and deceptive advertising or representation in healthcare services, and will require certain healthcare providers to clearly state their qualifications. The bill also authorizes the nation?s highest consumer protection body, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), to take action against deceptive conduct.
?In this day and age, Americans are overwhelmed with information regarding their healthcare options, whether through the media, or the Internet, or even word-of-mouth,? said AAO-HNS Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, David R. Nielsen, MD, FACS. ?We want to make sure that patients and the general public are not being misled when they seek care. This means protecting those patients from individuals who are not being clear about the exact nature of their medical qualifications.?
?We applaud Representatives McDermott and Sullivan for taking the necessary steps to ensure that patients nationwide are receiving the highest quality of healthcare,? Dr. Nielsen added. ?We will do our best as the premier advocacy organization of ear, nose, and throat physicians and head and neck surgeons to assist in the education of other Members of Congress so they may understand why this legislation is so critical to our nation?s healthcare system.?
Joining the AAO-HNS in supporting the Healthcare Truth and Transparency Act are leading professional associations representing diverse physician specialties, including the American Psychiatric Association, the Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons, the American Medical Association, the American Osteopathic Association, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.