    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [April 29, 1998]
    [Page 640]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Bipartisan Support for Patients' Bill of Rights Legislation
    April 29, 1998

        I am extremely pleased that today at least nine Republican Members
    of Congress joined as cosponsors to H.R. 3605, the ``Patients' Bill of
    Rights Act of 1998.'' In announcing their support for this legislation,
    they are sending a strong signal that it is unacceptable for this
    Congress to adjourn this year without passing a strong patients' rights
    bill.
        I commend Representatives Ganske,
    Bass, Forbes,
    Fox, Gilchrest,
    Graham, Horn,
    LaTourette, and Leach for their leadership, and I look forward to working with
    them. We have learned again and again that when we reach across party
    lines we can pass important legislation that improves our Nation's
    health care system. Making the ``Patients' Bill of Rights Act of 1998''
    bipartisan provides new momentum towards ensuring that a Patients' Bill
    of Rights will become the law of the land.
        The ``Patients' Bill of Rights Act of 1998,'' recently introduced by
    Representative Dingell, provides long overdue protections that Americans
    need to renew their confidence in the Nation's rapidly changing health
    care system. It allows patients to see the specialists they need, to get
    emergency care wherever and whenever a medical emergency arises, to talk
    freely with doctors and nurses about all the medical options available--
    not only the cheapest, and to appeal when they have grievances about
    their health care.
        I urge Congress to send me legislation that gives Americans the
    health care protections they need and deserve. I look forward to working
    with Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to ensure that we
    pass a strong Patients' Bill of Rights this year.