Controls on HMOs sought by Jones

Nevadans should have the right to sue health maintenance organizations when they believe necessary health care is denied.

At least that is the opinion of Democratic gubernatorial candidate and Las Vegas Mayor Jan Laverty Jones.

"I think this would hold people accountable," Jones said. "What has happened in health care today is that it is far more about the bottom line than it is about providing quality health care. You have insurance clerks making health care decisions and in some cases overriding the recommendations of a doctor."

Jones' proposal also calls for patients to be able to choose any physician willing to provide care under a provider's plan.

The plan also calls for requiring hospitals to disclose their ratios of doctors to patients and nurses to patients.

Republican candidate Kenny Guinn is in agreement with these proposals, said Pete Ernaut, his campaign manager.

Jones also is calling for creating an ombudsman, whom Nevadans could contact if they believe their insurance companies or HMOs are violating their rights. This person would serve as a patient advocate with the governor and the Legislature.

Ernaut said Guinn views this as an unnecessary layer of government.

Assemblywoman Bar-bara Buck- ley, D-Las Vegas, said in a prepared statement that she supports the Jones plan.

"I especially like the concept of a health care ombudsman -- so many times consumers need help fighting the health care bureaucracy. Unfortunately they are least able to launch that fight because of their illness or an illness of a family member."

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