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Legislation would make freedom of access laws apply to hospitals
February 26, 2009
AUGUSTA – Rep. Adam Goode, D-Bangor, has submitted a bill that would promote transparency for some hospitals by making them subject to the freedom of access laws. Hospitals that receive more than $250,000 a year in public funds would have to comply by the law.
“Nothing is more important to our communities than our access to quality, affordable, health care,” said Goode. “It makes sense that institutions getting public dollars for medical services are transparent in what they are doing.”
The bill would give the public access to things such as hospital board meetings and how funds are being spent. With the skyrocketing costs of health care, the measure would give the public greater insight into where their dollars are going. Confidential documents such as patient records would remain protected.
On Thursday, the bill was referenced to the Health and Human Services Committee for consideration. The committee will schedule a public hearing on the bill in the coming weeks.
Contact:
Rep. Adam Goode, 991-7000
Lori Eschholz, Legislative Aide, 287-1430
Kyle Leighton, Communications Director, 287-1433