Clinton Creates Health Care Commission

Pres. Bill Clinton in September announced the creation of a federal advisory commission to recommend ways to protect consumers against changes by the health care industry that threaten the quality of care. Clinton made his announcement at a campaign stop in Sunset, Fla., where he was joined by AFSCME Pres. Gerald W. McEntee, who helped initiate the discussion that led to the announcement.

"Patients should feel safe in the knowledge that they have been given the full story of what all their treatment options are and what is best for them. They should be told about the best treatment, whether it's the cheapest or not," Clinton said.

Clinton's words brought cheers from the crowd at the Sunset Community Theatre--scores of whom wore AFSCME green T-shirts--and from McEntee, who said: "In deciding to create this commission, President Clinton has once again made it clear that protecting every American's rights as a health care consumer is one priority that cannot wait."

McEntee also pointed out that this commission will address protections for health care workers.

The advisory panel will be co-chaired by Labor Sec. Robert Reich and Health and Human Services Sec. Donna Shalala. Vice Pres. Al Gore will review the recommendations prior to their being sent to the president. A preliminary report is expected to be released next September.