DeGette Provision Added To Community Health Centers Renewal

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), ViceChair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, today praised thepassage of key health care bills during today's Energy and CommerceHealth Subcommittee mark-up session. One particular bill, H.R.1343, theHealth Centers Renewal Act of 2007, included H.R. 870, ameasure championed by Ms. DeGette and the late Rep. Paul Gillmor (R-OH)that provides liability protections for employees and contractors whoprovide services in designated emergency areas.

"This DeGette/Gillmor provision is a great public health initiative –it will help coordinate and facilitate rapid and efficient action ofemergency health services by out-of-area practitioners when a publichealth emergency or natural disaster occurs," said DeGette. "While I amgrateful this important provision is moving forward, I am also saddenedthat my friend Mr. Gillmor is not here today to witness it."

The DeGette/Gillmor provision is intended to address concerns thatarose in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, in which gaps inhealth care services occurred because licensed, but out-of-area, healthcare professionals were not afforded the same federal liabilityprotections for their services as local community health centerworkers.

"The Community Health Centers Renewal Act is a much needed bill thatsupports a vital component of our health care safety-net in thiscountry. Community health centers provide comprehensive care to thelow-income uninsured, and are the most efficient and cost-effectivemodels of health care," concluded DeGette.