HARTFORD- Three years after first introducing a bill to streamline and centralize a child’s health information through the use of a universal health form, State Rep. Brenda Kupchick (R-132 Fairfield) & State Senator John McKinney (R-28) proposal received unanimous support in the House of Representatives Friday April 25th. Rep. Kupchick and Sen. McKinney first proposed the universal health form idea after being contacted by a friend whose son’s doctor shared the paperwork challenges he and other doctors face with yearly health forms. Since Kupchick submitted the proposal last session, she has heard from doctors and parents who support the idea of a single form. Currently, some doctors charge a fee to fill out multiple forms as it takes a lot of time away from their administrative staff’s time. Parents annually drop off health forms for the camps (sports or non-sports), different activities, daycare centers all requiring the basic information on immunizations, health problems, allergies and other physical questions yet every organization has a different format for their health form. “The proposal is meant to lessen the burden for parents who are forced to continually visit the doctor’s office to drop and pick up health forms for every activity their child participates in. Parents and guardians could receive signed copies of the universal form for submission to a variety of programs they choose for their children,” said Rep. Kupchick. Sen. McKinney said, “This is practical legislation that will make life easier for parents, children and doctors without compromising anyone’s health or well-being. By making this process more efficient, we can reduce costs, free up time for medical staffs to devote to more important tasks, and help to eliminate mistakes.” According to Dr. Thomas Homa MD, a pediatrician practicing in Fairfield, “He and his colleagues have been frustrated with the variety of different health forms required by schools, day care facilities, youth camps and sports organizations. Each form requires different information-some are simple and some are complex. Our practice has spent countless hours that are wasted gathering specific information for different forms. This leads to less time for our support staff, nurses and doctors to do their jobs which ultimately means less time with our patients.” For years, doctors have wished for a standard simple health form that could be used for all entities that require a health form. This legislation not only makes sense but will decrease costs and increase satisfaction with our health care system.” Kupchick said, “Multiple forms lead to frustrated patients and parents who may have to wait long periods for the completion of forms. It’s a common sense proposal.” The bill which passed the House 130-0, now heads to the State Senate for final approval then to the Governor for his signature. cthousegop/2014/04/kupchick-proud-of-work-on-house-passage-of-universal-health-form-bill/
Posted on: Tue, 29 Apr 2014 21:41:18 +0000
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