Pennsylvania Medical Society Comments on Governor Rendell’s ‘Prescription for Pennsylvania’ Announcement
The following is a statement from Mark A. Piasio, MD, MBA, president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, in response to Governor Rendell’s ‘Prescription for Pennsylvania’ announcement Jan. 17, 2007. Dr. Piasio is a practicing orthopedic surgeon from Dubois, Pa.
Today, Governor Edward Rendell publicly announced his proposals for health system reforms in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Medical Society applauds the Governor for his leadership in proposing needed reforms to improve the quality, safety, and affordability of health care in Pennsylvania.
During the past four years, the Pennsylvania Medical Society has worked closely with the Rendell Administration, particularly the Office of Health Care Reform, on a wide range of health care issues, including some mentioned in his health system reform proposals announced today.
The Pennsylvania Medical Society looks forward to working with the Administration and the General Assembly to shape the future of health care service and delivery in the state, and applauds efforts to further address hospital-acquired infections, patient safety, chronic disease management, access to care, affordability of care, and reducing the number of uninsured and underinsured. These are all worthy goals to which we share.
The Pennsylvania Medical Society feels strongly that needed reforms must focus on the patient, reinforcing the importance of patient-centric care. The Medical Society stands behind the importance of the patient-doctor relationship as the keystone to quality health care. These principles must be central to health care reforms in Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Medical Society is pleased to help shape the upcoming debate on the Governor's proposals and other proposals that will likely emerge in the General Assembly. It is good that Pennsylvania is joining Massachusetts and California in proposing improvements in the health care services and the delivery of those services.
Last Updated: 7/31/2008