The Problem with Big Pharma

John Oliver Comments about Big Pharma

Happy PATIENT’S Bill of Rights Day!

Okay there is really no official document or law called the Patient’s Bill of Rights and there is no special day celebrating its existence.  However, today is Bill of Rights Day 2014, which is officially recognized by the United States government.  December 15^th marks the day in 1791 when the first ten amendments to the US Constitution were ratified.  Although these rights did not say they applied to health care and patients, it is because of the rights established in that document that we have rights as patients today. 

Although there is no one document that spells out the rights patients have regarding health care, it is through government programs and regulations that some of the basic rights we have as citizens extend to the health care services we receive.  This is particularly clear when we receive our health care services from or paid for by the federal government. 

In 1998 President Bill Clinton directed various federal agencies to use their authority to bring health care programs in line with a basic Patient’s Bill of Rights.

According the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Archives, “The Patients' Bill of Rights and Responsibilities has three goals: to strengthen consumer confidence that the health care system is fair and responsive to consumer needs; to reaffirm the importance of a strong relationship between patients and their health care providers; and to reaffirm the critical role consumers play in safeguarding their own health.”

The Patient’s Bill of Rights and Responsibilities set out the right to:

·         Informed Choice

·         Access Emergency Services

·         Full Partnership in Health Care Decisions

o   When cannot do for self; right to be represented by others.

·         Care Without Discrimination

·         Privacy 

·         Speedy Complaint Resolution

By looking at the above, can you make connections with the Bill of Rights or other aspects of the U.S. Constitution or other laws? 

Ring of Fire: Medical Marijuana

Ring of Fire: Medical Marijuana

Ring of Fire Attorney Talks about Medical Marijuana

Medicaid (OHP) Advisory Committee Meeting Wednesday, 7/23/2014

Federal law requires the state of Oregon to have a Medicaid Advisory Committee (MAC).  This committee is there to make recommendations about the state's Medicaid system, which is the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).  Most Medicaid or OHP beneficiaries in our community get their health care services through the local Coordinated Care Organization (CCO), Umpqua Health Alliance (UHA).  

As a state committee, the meeting is covered by the Oregon Public Meetings law (ORS 192) so members of the public may attend the meeting in person.  Luckily the MAC also makes their meetings available here, as well.  Although you cannot give public testimony, like you could if you were there in person, you can listen in to what is going on.  It is a good way to start getting familiar with what is going on in health care transformation in the state.  

Here is the notice sent by the state.  You can sign up to get notices of all meetings of the Medicaid Advisory Committee, as well as other medical related public committees in the state.  

PUBLIC NOTICE 

MEETING PLACE: General Services Building

    Mt. Mazama Room

                            Salem, OR  97301

MEETING DATE:   Wednesday, July 23, 2014

MEETING TIME:   9:00am - 12:00pm

The Committee will receive an update from the Oregon Health Authority on the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) and Coordinated Care Organizations. OHA staff will present on the agency’s Integrative Medicine Advisory Group established in the fall of 2013. Sarah Bartelmann with OHA will present on Oregon’s Health System Transformation 2013 Performance Report. The committee will finalize its set of policy recommendations to reduce churn and mitigate its effects for individuals enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan and commercial coverage available through qualified health plans (QHP). The committee will adopt its’ full “churn” report to be submitted to the Oregon Health Policy Board for their consideration in August.

Public listen-in only conference line: 888.398.2342   Participant: 3732275

     Webinar: Webinar registration link

Please visit the Committee’s website at http://www.oregon.gov/oha/OHPR/MAC/Pages/index.aspx

for webinar information, meeting minutes, reports and updates.

Please JOIN Us

Patient Rights:  You CAN’T Live Without Them!  The critical state of PAIN misMANAGEMENT (or,                       the War on Pain Patients!)  Update on Medical Marijuana Dispensaries  Coordinated Care Organization - Accountability  What we do and what’s in it for YOU!  Come to our public meeting: Monday, July 7 from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. Douglas County Courthouse Room 310  (1036 SE Douglas Avenue) Contact us for more information Oregon Patient Rights Association (OPRA)   (541) 236-3083  .  .  .  .  eMail:  opra4dc@gmail.com Subscribe via eMail to our blog:   opra4dc.blogspot.com  “Like” us on FaceBook:  Oregon Patients Rights Association

Making the Health Care Connections: Who Dictates Health Care Policy in Douglas County