Reagan’s proposals to weaken the quality of hospital care

The Reagan Administration has undertaken a direct assault on the quality of hospital care in the United States. It proposes to weaken or destroy essential federal regulations designed to maintain the quality of care and particularly to safeguard patients from unnecessary surgery and unnecessary hospital costs. All hospitals receiving Medicare and Medicaid funds are required to be accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals or the American Osteopathic Association, or to comply with specific federal regulations. Approximately 1500 unaccredited hospitals would be affected by the Administration’s action.