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June 09, 2008

WASHINGTON DC (June 9, 2008) - Curtis Rooney, President of the Health Industry Group Purchasing Association (HIGPA) announced its support for the Physician Payment Sunshine Act of 2008 (S. 2029) introduced by Senators Kohl (D-WI) and Grassley (R-IA). HIGPA supports this legislation and its goal of providing greater transparency within the healthcare industry.

Mr. Rooney stated, "Our organization agrees that it is important for patients to be afforded the opportunity to obtain information about the gifts, payments, honoraria, travel reimbursement and other payments to physicians that may pose a conflict of interest between their physicians and the manufacturers of healthcare products. Not only is this legislation beneficial to all patients, but it will also help hospitals and healthcare facilities manage and become aware of payments being made to their physicians."

HIGPA believes that this legislation should apply to all practicing physicians and those conducting clinical research. Mr. Rooney went on to say that “The Physician Payment Sunshine Act will ensure that the hospitals are making medical decisions based on science rather than marketing campaigns. As a result, patients of these institutions will have confidence that they are receiving the best care as possible.” HIGPA commends the work that Senators Kohl and Grassley have done and are pleased that changes have been made on a more federal and widespread level.

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About HIGPA
The Health Industry Group Purchasing Association (HIGPA) is a broad-based trade association that represents 21 group purchasing organizations, including for-profit and not-for-profit corporations, purchasing groups, associations, multi-hospital systems and healthcare provider alliances. HIGPA’s mission is to advocate on behalf of health care group purchasing associations, to provide educational opportunities designed to improve efficiencies in the purchase, sale and utilization of all goods and services within the health industry and to promote meaningful dialogue between GPOs. For more information, visit www.higpa.org.

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