    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [August 23, 1999]
    [Page 1466]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Proposed Patients' Bill of Rights Legislation
    August 23, 1999

        Protecting the health of America's families is not and should never
    be a partisan issue. Demonstrating this fact, the American Medical
    Association, the largest organization of physicians in the Nation, has
    just endorsed the bipartisan Patients' Bill of Rights sponsored by
    Congressman Norwood and Congressman
    Dingell.
        The AMA's action sends a strong message to Congress that it is time
    to put politics aside and pass a Patients' Bill of Rights that provides
    meaningful protections for all Americans in all health plans and holds
    plans accountable when their actions cause harm to patients. With over
    20 House Republicans cosponsoring the Norwood-Dingell bill, it is clear
    that a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives is ready to
    vote for a strong and enforceable Patients' Bill of Rights.
        The bipartisan Norwood-Dingell coalition has placed the needs of
    patients over the desires of special interests. It is long past time for
    the entire Congress to follow suit. I reiterate my call to Speaker
    Hastert to schedule a vote on this
    important legislation immediately upon return from the congressional
    recess in September.

    Note: A portion of the President's statement was also made available on
    the White House Press Office Radio Actuality Line.