Medical Records And Medical Device Interests Gain Attention From Big Names, Congressional Delegation
The Hill: "The new lobby shop of former Rep. Billy Tauzin (R-La.) and his son Tom has registered its first client. The San Francisco-based tech company Resilient Networks Systems has hired Tauzin Consultants to help lobby on the deployment of electronic medical records under the healthcare reform law among other issues, according to lobbying disclosure records. As the former head of PhRMA, the influential trade group for drug manufacturers, Tauzin had a huge role in seeing the healthcare law passed earlier this year. Tauzin Consultants will be the lobbying and advocacy arm of Tauzin Strategic Networks and will concentrate on consulting CEOs on how Washington works, Tauzin said. ... His leadership[at PhRMA] was a source of controversy as he worked to help pass the healthcare reform bill in concert with the Obama administration" (Bogardus, 11/30).The Minneapolis Star Tribune: Meanwhile, "[e]ight bipartisan members of Minnesota's congressional delegation are raising concern about proposed changes in the way most medical devices are cleared for use in patients. The group said in a letter to Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Margaret Hamburg that any changes to the agency's 510(k) approval process 'should not be made unless there is clear evidence that the changes are necessary to address a demonstrated public health concern.' The FDA is contemplating vast changes to the 510(k) approval pathway that would presumably toughen regulations ... Minnesota's formidable medical technology industry -- with help from local members of Congress -- has loudly protested some of the changes" (Moore, 11/29). This is part of the KHN Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.
