LAWMAKERS
LAWMAKERS
20.09.26-FTC commissioner Michael PERTSCHUK, says that CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS by the AMA were instrumental. Exterior of FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION. DUKE v.o.-House voted to strip FTC of power to regulate or investigate certain medical practices. The FTC is actually united in opposition to REAGAN'S initiative. C/S REAGAN appointee JIM MILLER, says that FRAUD would increase in medicine as well as cost. PERTSCHUK says DOCTORS can't be allowed to engage in PRICE-FIXING. Shot of DOCTOR on sidewalk in a city. C/S Dr. Dennis O'Leary, Pres. Of D.C. Medical Society, says that medicine is already covered under ANTITRUST laws, and doesn't wish to be exempted, but only to be exempt from FTC investigation. EXTERIOR of AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION HEADQUARTERS. 20.11.41-PERTSCHUK says all Congressmen are vulnerable to influence of their family doctors, especially if the AMA distorts the facts. C/S JAY ANGOFF of "CONGRESS WATCH", says that Congressmen voted on the issue strictly on the basis of AMA CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS. Shot of spreadsheet of AMA CONTRIBUTIONS to Congressmen. Dr. O'LEARY says that PAC'S are legitimate in political process. C/S Rep. TOM LUKEN (D-OH) trumpeting the AMA line about the evil regulators at the FTC. Rep. JAMES BROYHILL (R-NC) says it's dangerous to start exempting groups from FTC regulation, slippery slope etc. Rep. RALPH HALL (D-TX) argues against the FTC. DUKE v.o.-House voted to curb FTC investigations into MEDICAL PROFESSIONS by 245-155 vote. 20.14.39-ANGOFF says "money talked" on the vote. Dr. O'LEARY says that's loony, says that the Congressmen who supported the AMA'S position did so because they thought it was right.