National Policy Platforms: Log on and get involved
Last week, the Democratic and Republican National Committees announced that they are both seeking input on the health care-related aspects of their respective party platforms. Traditionally, the platforms were drafted by special committees in cooperation with the party nominees, and often included a series of formal hearings and drafting sessions. However, this year both parties are taking a different approach and seeking direct voter input.
The Republican Platform Committee, chaired by Rep. Kevin McCarthy (CA) and co-chaired by Sen. Richard Burr (NC), has launched an on-line effort to gather voter feedback. Meanwhile, the Democratic Platform Committee, chaired by Gov. Janet Napolitano (AZ), announced that it will hold a series of town meetings across the country to get a better sense of what Democratic voters want to see in the party's platform. Both party platform processes culminate with the national party conventions: The Democratic convention will be held August 25-28 in Denver, while the Republican convention is scheduled to take place Sept. 1-4 in Minneapolis-Saint Paul.
This is our chance to make sure the hospital field's voice is reflected in both parties' platforms... and we need your input!
The links below will take you to the respective party Web sites. Tell them:
The people of America's hospitals are on the front lines of care, and they see every day the need for reform of the health care system. We believe that reform should include:
- A focus on wellness and prevention
- Coverage for all, paid by all
- High-quality, cost-effective care, with caregivers connected through state-of-the-art information systems
- A restructured system that manages chronic disease, spends limited resources on care, not paperwork, and addresses the growing shortage of well-trained health care workers
- Ensuring that hospitals receive the resources they need to provide critical services for their communities, particularly under the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
To ensure your views are shared with those writing the party platforms, click on the links below.
To share your thoughts on the Republican Party platform, click here.
To share your thoughts with the Democratic Party, click here to find or sign up to host a platform meeting in your community.

