Obama Launches Push To Reform State Med-Mal Laws, Curb Defensive Medicine
Meanwhile, in other news related to health reform, the Internal Revenue Service is seeking $119 million in new funds in order to enforce the tax-related provisions of the health overhaul.
The Associated Press: Obama Starts Drive For Medical Malpractice Reforms
Putting his own stamp on a long-standing Republican priority, President Barack Obama is launching a drive to overhaul state medical malpractice laws and cut down on wasteful tests doctors perform because they fear lawsuits (Alonso-Zaldivar, 2/15).
Politico: IRS Seeks $119M To Enforce Health Care Reform Tax Changes
The IRS is asking for $119 million in additional funds to enforce the tax portions of the health care overhaul in fiscal 2012, including the 1099 provision that has been targeted for repeal by a bipartisan majority in Congress. The money would go towards hiring hundreds of new full-time employees and set up an account that would fund new technology and infrastructure (Nocera, 2/15).