Governor signs health bill sponsored by Issaquah rep
April 6, 2010
By Staff
State Sen. Cheryl Pflug, a registered nurse who represents Issaquah in Olympia, sponsored a bill to establish a pair of pilot projects intended to make healthcare more affordable. Gov. Chris Gregoire signed the legislation March 25.
The measure sponsored by Pflug, a Maple Valley Republican, promotes a team approach to healthcare. The law encourages public and private healthcare systems to coordinate patient care and pay for results rather than treatments.
The measure establishes at least two accountable-care organization pilot projects — collaborations between physicians and hospitals designed to allow a team approach to coordinating patient care. The legislation requires the projects to be established by Jan. 1, 2012.
“Accountable-care organizations change today’s patient care model,” Pflug said in a news release. “Instead of paying doctors a set amount per patient visit or treatment, primary physicians in accountable-care organizations receive additional compensation when they help improve a patient’s health such that it saves money by preventing hospital visits and preventable complications of chronic illness.”
Comments
Got something to say?
Before you comment, please note:
- These comments are moderated.
- Comments should be relevant to the topic at hand and contribute to its discussion.
- Personal attacks and/or excessive profanity will not be tolerated and such comments will not be approved.
- This is not your personal chat room or forum, so please stay on topic.
