Al Franken

We can extend these common sense protections to all workers by passing ENDA.

That is pretty stunning that workplace discrimination could have such a significant impact on our economy.

I appreciate Senator Franken's interest in my testimony.

That to me seems possibly one way to address the objections that the DOJ may have to Senator Murkowski's bill

Many hospitals are operating on smaller and smaller margins, and they need help to survive financially so they can serve their communities.

In addition to the FDCPA, let's talk about privacy laws. Based on the evidence we've heard today, do you believe our Federal health policy, privacy policy, that those laws should be strengthened to protect patients' privacy?

I think that's the case. Hospitals are in a crunch and they have to be able to collect debt, and I think everyone agrees with that.

We also promote, advocate and strive to protect the health, safety and right of the patients.

We have a health care system that is among the most expensive per patient in the world.

But there is a conflict of interest that does arise clearly when hospitals perform in more illusory than real ways with regard to providing charitable care.

I visited many hospitals across Minnesota, and as far as I'm concerned, we deliver some of the best health care, if not the best health care, in this country.

I think that should be the norm. This is Minnesota. People in Minnesota are good at their jobs, and we are nothing if not nice.

It sounds like you're saying that the law is clear enough to hold bad actors accountable?

Historically, the reason why, in fact, we allowed hospitals and other organizations to have a charitable status is because we had sick people.

The privacy of patients' health information is critical, because otherwise patients would not have candid conversations with health care providers.

If people don't trust that their information is going to be secure, they'll be less likely to give out personal information.

Medical debt is different from other types of debt, that people don't typically choose to rack up medical debt, and they definitely don't choose to get sick.

I commend Senator Franken's efforts to provide more consumer protections against overreaching collection practices.

I am very disappointed in the system that employed me for so many years.

This kind of ruthless, corporate behavior simply would not have been allowed.

This is exactly why our trusted and proven system of Medicare should be expanded so every man, woman and child could be included in Medicare for all.

Did you feel like you were being shaken down?

I think that is very important, that you were very satisfied with the doctors and nurses at Fairview.

My main goal here is to figure out whether existing law is adequate to protect Minnesotans like you when you go to the hospital.

Why did Mr. Doyle, a revenue cycle employee, have all these data?