GPO legislation
This article was originally published in The Gray Sheet
Executive Summary
Sens. Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) and Herb Kohl (D-Wisc.) introduce "Medical Device Competition Act of 2004" (S 2880), a bill intended to provide HHS oversight of group purchasing organizations. The Medical Device Manufacturers Association regards the bill as a "critical step" toward fixing GPO anticompetitive behavior. Conversely, GPO group HIGPA - a proponent of self-regulation - asserts: "This legislation is counterproductive to the shared priorities of the senators and the industry" to ensure access to optimal care at the best price. A third hearing was held in late September (1"The Gray Sheet" Sept. 20, 2004, p. 8)...