Statement attributable to:
Edward Langston, MD
AMA chair-elect

In addition to the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, which stopped Medicare physician payment cuts that would have harmed seniors access to care, Congress passed several other important health care bills in the closing days of the 109th Congress, including:


National Institutes of Health Reform Act (H.R. 6164)
"The NIH Reform Act will increase collaboration among health research institutes, allocate additional funding for health care research, reorganize the NIH structure to maximize productivity, and improve NIH reporting requirements. The AMA welcomes this new law that could lead to an increase in new, improved treatments and cures for patients."

Ryan White CARE Act Re-Authorization (H.R. 6143)
"The AMA commends Congress for passing a three-year authorization of the Ryan White CARE Act during the final hours of the 2006 legislative session. This legislation will help to ensure equitable funding across states and cities, and allow for Congress to better meet the needs of Americans living with HIV/AIDS. This effort will ensure the continuation of care and treatment for HIV/AIDS patients."

State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Reauthorization
"The AMA applauds Congress for extending SCHIP funding to ensure that children do not lose their health insurance coverage. Next year, we look forward to working with Congress to reauthorize the program for the first time in a decade. The reauthorization of SCHIP is necessary to ensure that children have access to the health care they need."

Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (S. 3678)
"The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act promotes public health awareness through a nationwide network to detect and contain public health threats. The bill ensures that emergency medical care can be delivered rapidly and effectively through improved training, stronger logistical support, and a clear organizational framework for health care workers. The AMA commends these efforts and looks forward to working with Congress to maximize the safety of Americans in the event of a public health emergency."

Physicians for Underserved Areas Act (H.R. 4997)
"The Physicians for Underserved Areas Act extends the J-1 Visa program, which allows foreign doctors to continue to practice in the United States if they agree to spend three years working with patients in medically underserved areas. Foreign doctors are typically required to leave the country for two years following their U.S.-based medical training. The AMA supports this action, as the plan provides needed health care to patients in medically underserved areas, and allows foreign doctors to remain in the country after they complete their medical training."

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