Unions

House Committee Examines Doctor Unionization Bill

The House Judiciary Committee has begun considering a bill that would allow private practice physicians to unionize. HR-1304, introduced by Rep. Tom Campbell (R-CA), would alter federal antitrust laws to permit private practice physicians to bargain collectively with health plans. Both the Healthcare Leadership Council (HLC) and the American Nurses Association (ANA) voiced opposition to the bill. HLC said the bill would allow physicians to "wield inordinate market power through formation of cartels." ANA president Mary Foley, RN, said the bill would create "an unfair playing field" for advanced practice nurses and other non-physician providers.

Source: AHA News Now, March 16, 2000