October 1st, 2008

Adding to the list of issues that many are pushing to be addressed before the end of the fall legislative session is the renewal of the healthcare watchdog organization Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council.

Reports the Central Penn Business Journal:

Emergency funding for [PHC4] runs out at the end of November. After Oct. 8, the full Legislature is not scheduled to return to session until 2009.

“All we know is that the relevant parties are talking,” said Joe Martin, PHC4’s director of communications and education, in an e-mail.

Groups calling for PHC4’s re-authorization, saying that it is critical for the welfare of patients and hospitals, include the Pennsylvania Medical Society and the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania.