Doctors urge Congress to enact 'Bill of Rights' for patients

The Nevada State Medical Association says the 1997 Legislature passed a law to protect patients of health care groups. But the state law doesn't cover everybody in these organizations.

"Congress has the chance to show the same commitment to patient rights as did the Nevada Legislature," said Dr. John Scott, Jr., president of the association. "It would be a shame if election year politics and wealth of the managed care insurance industry prevents Congress from doing the right thing now when it really matters."

Larry Matheis, executive director of the association, estimates more than half of Nevadans who have health care coverage are under federal jurisdiction, not the state.

He said about 40 percent of the Medicare population in Nevada is covered by health maintenance organizations or managed care organizations. Nevada law doesn't apply to them.

About half of Nevadans with private health insurance through their employers come under federal regulation, Matheis said.

The association said federal legislation must include the end of gag rules that prevent doctors from telling patients about specialized treatments that might be available, and the bill must ensure patients have a right to know the details of their policies.

The doctors added the legislation must cover emergency services and allow patients to appeal decisions in a denial of a medical procedure.

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