Health care business and policy experts will meet to discuss the quality of consumer protection in the health care industry, restrictions that may drive up consumer costs, and potential barriers to competitive entry into the health care market. The discussion will take place at the seventh session of Federal Trade Commission/ Department of Justice joint hearings on Tuesday, June 10, Wednesday, June 11, and Thursday, June 12, being held from 9:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the FTC Conference Center, 601 New Jersey Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC. Specific topics will include:

• The quality and availability of services provided by midwives, nurse practitioners, dental hygienists, and other professionals and para-professionals;
• The quality and affordability of long-term care and assisted living facilities;
• The design and implementation of employment-based health insurance; and
• The availability of quality information to help consumers make educated decisions about their health care

Panelists include representatives of the American College of Nurse Midwives, American College of Nurse Practitioners, American Dental Hygienists' Association, American Psychological Association, National Citizens Coalition for Nursing Home Reform, National Center for Assisted Living, and the Gingrich Group. The agenda for the session is available at www.ftc.gov/ogc/healthcarehearings and at www.usdoj.gov/atr/hchearing.htm.

Persons unable to attend this session of hearings may call in:

Tuesday, June 10, 2003: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Call-in: 1-866-255-1938 Confirmation Number: 17456578 Chairperson: Bruce Jennings

Wednesday, June 11, 2003: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Call-in: 1-800-659-6183 Confirmation Number: 17456581 Chairperson: Bruce Jennings

Thursday, June 12, 2003: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Call-in: 1-888-618-8003 Confirmation Number: 17456584 Chairperson: Bruce Jennings

 

Media Contact:

FTC Office of Public Affairs
202-326-2180

 

DOJ Media Contact:

Gina Talamona
Office of Public Affairs
202-514-2007