RE: H.R. 1565 – Saving Lives, Saving Costs Act
Dear Representatives Barr and Cuellar:
As the Alliance of Specialty Medicine (Alliance), our mission is to advocate for sound federal health care
policy that fosters patient access to the highest quality specialty care. As patient and physician advocates,
the Alliance writes to thank you for your leadership in introducing H.R. 1565 the “Saving Lives, Saving
Costs Act”. This legislation provides an innovative and sensible approach to medical liability reform. It
allows doctors to focus on practicing medicine and improves the quality of patient care by encouraging
the use of evidence-based guidelines.
The legislation would provide a legal safe harbor for physicians who can demonstrate they followed
recommended clinical practice guidelines developed by national or State medical societies or medical
specialty societies. We note that the legislation would not preempt or supersede State or Federal laws.
By reducing the necessary practice of defensive medicine and increasing adherence to evidence-based
medicine this legislation has the potential to help lower health care costs while improving the quality of
care for patients.
We look forward to working with you on this important issue.
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