Pete Stark: “in the past few weeks there has been a concerted media campaign to spread misinformation about the Comparative…”

“in the past few weeks there has been a concerted media campaign to spread misinformation about the Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) provisions in H.R.1. To set the record straight, I submit for the Record the following summary of the comparative effectiveness research provisions and a list of organizations that have written us in support. This investment is an important first step in efforts to develop a robust CER program in this Congress. In the near future, I will introduce a comprehensive CER proposal, based on the provisions that previously passed the House in the CHAMP Act, H.R. 3162, in the 110th Congress. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Provisions on comparative Effectiveness Research The conference agreement on H.R. 1 includes provisions to promote and expand research that compares the effectiveness of alternative treatments or strategies for a medical condition. Doctors today urgently need better evidence to improve the quality of health care that patients receive. Some estimates indicate that less than half of all therapies patients receive are actually supported by firm evidence of effectiveness. There is widespread agreement on the need for better information on the comparative effectiveness of different interventions for health conditions.”