Comparative Effectiveness Research Act Introduced in the Senate

August 28, 2008 – Senators Max Baucus (D-MT) and Kent Conrad (D-ND) have introduced the Comparative Effectiveness Research Act of 2008 (S.3408). The legislation aims to establish a Health Care Comparative Effectiveness Research Institute charged with establishing and carrying out a research project agenda that establishes national priorities for comparative effectiveness research. The bill provides for the establishment of the Comparative Effectiveness Research Trust Fund, which would be financed through a combination of general revenues and a small tax on health insurance plans.

A section-by-section summary of the bill's provisions is available on the Senate Finance Committee's Web site.

ASH will keep members apprised of any new developments regarding this legislation, as well as any other comparative effectiveness initiatives.