FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Thursday, October 7, 1999 Cheryl Kelly (202)-429-1130 AFSCME Applauds Passage of the Norwood-Dingell Bill (H.R. 2723) Patients' Bill of Rights WASHINGTON, DC -- The nation's largest public employee and health care workers union — the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO — applauds members of the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Norwood-Dingell bill, the strongest most comprehensive patients' rights legislation being considered by the House. Today's vote in favor of the Norwood-Dingell Bill (H.R. 2723) opens the door for true managed care reform. This bipartisan compromise will provide meaningful reform of managed care with significant protections for consumers and was the only bill that truly addressed the abuses of managed care. With the passage of the Norwood-Dingell Bill health care consumers are finally in charge of their own health care destiny. Plans will be held accountable when they wrongfully delay or deny care. However, it protects employers by making clear that they are not liable unless they are directly involved in treatment decisions. The bill also includes important protections for health care professionals who advocate on behalf of their patients. A managed care reform bill that places patients over profits has been a long-time in the making. This bill goes a long way toward improving the quality of health care for patients. # # # American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO 1625 L Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036-5687 Telephone (202) 429-1130 Fax (202) 429-1120