WASHINGTON, DC — According to the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association, one of its members has spoken out against the passage of the Patients’ Bill of Rights and has taken his concern to Capitol Hill.

Ron Stiegler, owner of Phoenix Plumbers outside of Baltimore, said during a morning press conference that the patients’ rights bill would negatively impact small businesses.

“The patients’ rights bill does not and will not help reduce the already high cost of health care,” said Stiegler. “Our fear is that this legislation will drive the already high cost of health care to levels which neither the employer nor the employee can afford.”

Steigler’s concerns match PHCC’s. The organization has come out as opposing the passage of the bill. President Bush has said he will veto the bill unless it can minimize lawsuits that would drive up health care costs.

Publication date: 08/13/2001