State involvement in medical technology assessment

State governments are reevaluating their role in the assessment of medical technologies. This paper outlines a range of state technology assessment activities, highlighting programs in Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington, and discusses the issues associated with state government involvement. Clinically oriented activities on the state level can inform efforts to contain costs, educate consumers and providers, and facilitate local consensus on the appropriate uses of new and existing technologies. Although current programs are still in their infancy and their viability remains uncertain, the importance of technology assessment is growing as technology continues to fuel increasing costs. The future of state-level technology assessment may lie in collaborative ventures with other states, the federal government, or private industry.