Dusty Johnson: “this week the Senate began discussion of the Patients' Bill of Rights, a long overdue bill which patient advocates have…”

“this week the Senate began discussion of the Patients' Bill of Rights, a long overdue bill which patient advocates have fought to pass for nearly 5 years. I am disappointed that we were not able to move directly to a full discussion of the bill earlier this week as Majority Leader Daschle attempted to do, but I am pleased that we finally began this critically important discussion. I also want to commend the distinguished Senate Majority Leader Daschle for his leadership in bringing this crucial legislation to the floor and making this top priority legislation his first directive as Senate Majority Leader. The Senate begins debate of a bipartisan bill that was introduced in both the House and Senate which covers all Americans and holds HMOs accountable when they make medical decisions. I am proud to be cosponsoring the Senate Bipartisan Patient Protection Act which is sponsored by Senators McCain, Edwards, and Kennedy. Approximately 500 provider and patients' rights groups have endorsed this bipartisan legislation which achieves overwhelming support because it represents a balanced approach to ensuring patient safety and health plan accountability without significantly raising health plan premiums or employer costs.”