Former Rep. Phil English (R-Pa.) has been named coordinator of the Healthcare Group Purchasing Industry Initiative, according to a Health Industry Group Purchasing Association news release (pdf).
In addition, former Senators Robert Bennett (R-Utah) and Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) were named senior policy advisors to HGPII.
HGPII is a private voluntary organization that allows competing GPOs to work together to promote transparency and develop guiding principles for the industry. HIGPA is a separate group but has many of the same members.
Related Articles on the Health Industry Group Purchasing Association:
Appeals Court Recognizes GPOs Save Money for Hospitals
HIGPA Criticizes Recent Medtronic GPO Contract Cancellations
HIGPA Releases Statement on Role of GPOs in Healthcare Cost Containment, Reducing Budget Deficit