Fall Board of Councilors Report Mitchell Sheinkop, MD Legislation Federal There is nothing new to report owing to the Presidency's problems. The managed care bill of rights debate for this term has fallen victim to partisan politics at the legislative level and peroccupation at the executive level. State In Springfield, the lower chamber passed House Bill 974, which included almost all of our talking points. The bill which went up for vote mirroring the Illinois State Medical Society wish list, came through amended without the access to specialty care plank. Senate Bill 1904 reflecting the Illinois State Medical Society strategy failed all together. Our work is not done. Board of Councilors response In order to strengthen our efforts at the state level, the Academy has recruited Susan A. Koshy, JD, MPH, to give guidance and direction to the various state initiatives. The State Orthopedic Societies Committee, of which I am a member has been active this summer in regrouping. We are proposing the addition of "legislative Coordinator" to every State society to do the lobbying at the state level which your BOC members do at the federal level. Susan worked with the Dermatological Society at the national level prior to coming to the Academy; the Legislative Coordinators' concept has been very successful for that organization. On November 20-22, I will be part of a State Society Strategies Meeting sponsored by the AAOS to evaluate strategies for building a more effective state orthopedic society. We will also look at the impact of the 1998 elections, review the legislative outlook in the States, and work at building a successful state legislative advocacy program. To remind you of our talking points: Patient Rights Plan Disclosure Health Care Delivery Policy Advisory System Network of Providers Access to Emergency Services Access to Specialists Continuity of Care Point of Service Gag Clauses Illinois Patient Access Coalition On July 29, 1998, Jennifer Kunde, Dr. William Robb, and Dr. Mitchell Sheinkop met in Rosemont to discuss the status and direction of the Illinois Patient Access Coalition. Be reminded that the common goal of this coalition of member organizations from the professional community, the patient community, and the business community is the mandatory"Point of Service"feature in all close panel HMO's. We discussed several points. Status of Illinois Legislation The Illinois legislature has adjourned until after the election, when it will hold a 3-4 day veto session. Most likely, health care legislation will not be debated at this time, therefore the two pieces of legislation still technically alive ( SB 1904 and HB 974) are in reality dead. Role of Coalition Both Drs. Robb and Sheinkop agreed that the Illinois Coalition needs to be re-energized and refocused so as to have an impact on next years legislation. As a result, with the gubernatorial election heating up, they would very much like to have both George Ryan and Glenn Poshard individually addressed the Coalition as to their respective positions on health care reform. The format would be to have each discuss his and then take time to answer questions. It was agreed that the coalition should do this as soon as possible. Dr. Sheinkop will work with his contacts to invite George Ryan and Dr. Joseph Schrodt, Board of Councilor from southern Illinois, will be asked to contact Glenn Poshard. The Coalition hopes to schedule visits in either August or September. In addition, the Coalition will try to identify legislators that have either voted against health care reform in the past or may be considered swing votes and legislative visits by Coalition members will be encouraged prior to the November election. Work with Illinois State Medical Society Jennifer Kunde will set up a meeting between Drs. Robb and Sheinkop and staff of the Illinois State Medical Society to ensure that both groups continue to work together. Return to the IOS Newsletter Archive Educational Meetings and Program | Board of Directors | Residency | Find a Surgeon | Membership | Allied Association Links | Newsletter | Governmental Affairs | IAOS Main Page All material Copyright from the Illinois Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, all rights reserved.