House Bills - 109th Congress

H.R. 2259—The Patients’ Bill of Rights Act of 2005

On May 11, 2005, Representative John Dingell (D-MI) introduced H. R. 2259, the Patients’ Bill of Rights Act of 2005. The bill outlines basic standards for access to medical care. It includes a requirement that managed care organizations allow access to clinical trials and pay for the associated costs of such trials. H.R. 2259 was referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce, Education and the Workforce, and Ways and Means. A companion measure, S. 1012, sponsored by Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) was introduced on May 12. S. 1012 was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance.

Legislative Update (August 2005): Access to Clinical Trials