House panel limits CE research
This article was originally published in The Gray Sheet
Executive Summary
In a last-minute markup session on health reform legislation before breaking for its August recess, the House Energy and Commerce Committee agreed by voice vote to limits on comparative effectiveness research. One amendment, offered by Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich., states that the research cannot be used to deny or ration care. A second amendment from Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Ga., specifies that CMS cannot base coverage decisions on federally funded clinical comparative effectiveness research. At press time, markup on the bill was expected to be completed, and the entire package approved by the panel, before the House recessed. The Senate Finance Committee said July 31 it will not vote on its version of health reform until the Senate returns from its recess in September