FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 10, 2011

Reps. Baldwin and Paulsen Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen America’s Critical Care Infrastructure
Legislation Addresses Nation’s Changing Needs for Care of Critically Ill and Injured

Washington, DC – In order to ensure our nation’s critically ill and injured patients continue to receive the highest-quality care, Tammy Baldwin (WI-02) and Representatives Erik Paulsen (MN-03) introduced the Critical Care Assessment and Improvement Act of 2011. The legislation is designed to identify gaps in the current critical care delivery model and bolster capabilities to meet future demand.

 “Americans cannot afford to continue shouldering the costs of an inefficient health care system. This bill seeks to remedy these inefficiencies by calling for a serious inventory of our critical care infrastructure,” said Rep. Paulsen. “Taxpayers, hardworking medical professionals, and emergency responders alike all deserve a robust analysis of what’s working and what’s not so that we can move forward and fix this vital, yet costly, element of our health care delivery.”

“Identifying and addressing our nation’s critical care needs is essential for the vast majority of Americans who will experience a critical care injury or illness in their lifetime, either directly or through a loved one,” said Congresswoman Baldwin.  “If the United States is to lead in innovation, we must understand where our strengths, capabilities, and weaknesses lie.  This legislation takes important steps necessary for us to meet our present and future demands for the critically ill or injured.”

Specifically the Critical Care Assessment and Improvement Act of 2011 would:

• Authorize studies to assess the current capacity, capabilities and economic impact of the critical delivery system;
• Establish a Critical Care Coordinating Council within the National Institute of Health to coordinate the collection and analysis of information on critical research, identify gaps in such research, and strengthen partnerships with public and private entities to expand collaborative, cross-cutting research;
• Authorize the development of best practices for ICU evacuations during national emergencies and disasters;
• Require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report on the availability of critical care practitioners within the federal government’s medical response teams, and develop methods to address any shortages that may exist; and
• Establish a panel on emergency preparedness databases to assess existing information networks and recommend ways to improve resource awareness.

Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation currently serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Korea-U.S. Free Trade Working Group and co-chair of the House Medical Technology Caucus.

For more information on Rep. Paulsen’s work in Congress, please visit www.paulsen.house.gov.

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