Medical Societies Voice Their Support of Healthcare Truth and Transparency Act

The American Medical Association and a separate coalition of 11 medical societies have thrown their support behind the Healthcare Truth and Transparency Act of 2010, introduced by Representatives John Sullivan (R-Okla.) and David Scott (D-Ga.).

The bill will increase transparency to reduce patient confusion over which professionals are in fact doctors (MD or DO) and which are not. It will also make it illegal for healthcare providers to provide misleading information or terminology through advertising or marketing campaigns. The call for clarity follows a 2008 nationwide survey that found increasing patient confusion about the many types of healthcare providers patients see during a medical visit.

"Patients deserve to know who is providing their care and the Healthcare Truth and Transparency Act will help empower them with the knowledge they need to make an informed decision about who delivers their medical care," AMA President J. James Rohack, MD, said in a news release.

"The bill empowers patients," Alexander A. Hannenberg, MD, president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists — a part of the 11-member coalition — said in a separate news release. "A properly informed patient will be better prepared to make healthcare decisions. As physician specialists providing care in highly complex environments such as the operating room and intensive care unit, we believe it is essential that patients clearly understand the training and qualifications of those at their bedside. We welcome the introduction of the Healthcare Truth and Transparency Act of 2010 and commend Representatives Sullivan and Scott for their leadership on this important and timely patient issue."

Read the AMA's release on the Healthcare Truth and Transparency Act.

Read the ASA's release on the Healthcare Truth and Transparency Act.