Pennsylvania Gov. Rendell Reinstates State Health Care Cost Containment Council
The council is an independent agency that is "considered a national leader in studying the quality of health care and its cost at the state level," according to the Inquirer (Worden, Philadelphia Inquirer, 7/9). The order also allows the council to continue working until Nov. 30 (Fahy, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 7/9). However, the long-term future of the council is "unclear," according to the Inquirer. The Legislature must approve a five-year authorization for the council.
Erik Arneson, a spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R), said, "The governor's decision to reopen the council by executive order proves that his action to shut it down last week was unnecessary."
Rendell spokesperson Chuck Ardo said the administration could not act until it was confirmed that the council's $5 million budget was included in the final budget document. House Speaker Dennis O'Brien (R) said he was relieved the employees and the large amount of sensitive patient information in the council's possession would be safe, adding, "They do quality work. They deserved to be re-established. I am glad the governor stepped up to the plate" (Philadelphia Inquirer, 7/9).
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Pennsylvania Gov. Rendell Reinstates membru Sãnãtate Cost control Consiliului - Pennsylvania Gov. Rendell Reinstates State Health Care Cost Containment Council - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate