This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated.

News Release

STATEMENT BY HHS SECRETARY TOMMY G. THOMPSON
Regarding Institute of Medicine Report: "Fostering Rapid Advances in Health Care"

Since the first day of this Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services has been working to develop new ideas and policies that address the challenges facing this country regarding health coverage and access to care. We sped up the process and expanded the type of waivers that states can use to provide new and greater access to care; we aggressively moved to expand Community Health Centers; we developed new bi-partisan tax credit ideas; we pushed for real litigation reform and we promoted the importance of patient safety proposals.

The Institute of Medicine report is another step in this process and we welcome their ideas. They remain a valuable contributor to the discussion. As we go forward in our quest for solutions to these complex issues, we will carefully consider the ideas put forth in this report.

###

Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at www.hhs.gov/news.

Last Revised: Novemmber 20, 2002