Health plan accountability: state and federal initiatives

Patients' rights legislation is high on the agenda of more than a few legislators this year, both nationally and at the state level. Although many proposals are being considered by state and federal lawmakers, one of the more significant legislative measures under debate would hold health plans legally accountable for medical treatment decisions they make, control, or influence. Of course, under the current professional liability system, only physicians and hospitals are legally responsible for the quality of patient care. Not surprisingly, then, the expansion of professional liability law to include managed care organizations (MCOs) is a contentious issue.