MANAGED CARE REGULATION - IN THE LABORATORY OF THE STATES

In the wake of failed national health care system reform, the responsi bility of crafting public policy to respond to changes in the health c are system has fallen largely to state governments. Beginning in 1995, state policymakers focused intensively on managed care regulation, ad opting policies on a broad array of issues with important implications for patients, physicians, and the physician-patient relationship. To a surprising degree, the regulatory activity in diverse health care ma rkets across the nation has reflected a shared set of concerns about m anaged care practices and trends. An evaluation of the impact of these state policies will provide essential information about the most effe ctive role for government in promoting the physician-patient relations hip and the rights of patients and health care professionals in the er a of managed care.