AHA/AWH convention report: VE going strong, new threats on the legislative front

A mood of cautious optimism prevailed at the 1978 annual convention. Attendees were cheered by the success of the Voluntary Effort and recent legislative victories but warned that the next 18 months would be difficult. Two new threats on the legislative horizon--elimination of part B reimbursement for physicians in teaching hospitals and the Administration's national health insurance proposal--were discussed, as well as patient rights, medical record confidentiality, and new JCAH standards.