ACP: Governmental Affairs and Public Policy - ACP Supports H.R. 1736, the Sickle Cell Treatment Act of 2003

Advocacy

ACP Supports H.R. 1736, the Sickle Cell Treatment Act of 2003

April 9, 2004

The Honorable Danny Davis
House of Representatives
1222 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative Davis:

On behalf of the American College of Physicians (ACP), I am pleased to express our support for H.R.1736, the Sickle Cell Treatment Act of 2003, designed to increase treatments available for sickle cell disease, which disproportionately affects minority populations. ACP is the largest medical specialty society in the United States, representing 115,000 doctors of internal medicine and medical students. ACP has a long-standing commitment to eliminating racial and ethnic disparities in health care and improving the quality of and access to health care for all Americans.

As expressed in our position paper, "Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care," ACP has identified increased access to affordable, quality health care as a policy priority in support of the elimination of health care disparities. The College has also stated that research is a vital tool to monitor and address health care disparities and has repeatedly emphasized the need for improved data collection and reporting. As such, we are pleased that this legislation would establish a sickle cell disease research headquarters to share information about the disease and monitor services provided to sickle cell disease patients.

ACP has long-emphasized the importance of clear, direct communication and understanding between the health care provider and the patient and is supportive of provisions in this bill that provide for increased counseling, community outreach, and education by both medical and nonmedical personnel. ACP agrees that action is needed throughout the entire continuum of the health care delivery system to address disparities in health care.

Finally, the College favors alternatives that promote flexibility and innovation in public programs, such as Medicaid, including those that give states more options to cover our most vulnerable citizens. The College is pleased the legislation's strategy for tackling sickle cell disease includes strengthening the public safety net.

ACP recognizes the magnitude of sickle cell disease and the importance of ensuring that all Americans have equal access to quality health care. We appreciate your efforts to bring these issues to the nation's attention and look forward to working with you to advance the goals of the Sickle Cell Treatment Act of 2003.

Sincerely,

Munsey S. Wheby, MD, FACP
President