This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2005, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
WASHINGTON - Sens. Joe Lieberman and Orrin Hatch introduced legislation last week aimed at addressing shortcomings in health care for racial and ethnic minorities.
Their FairCare bill would standardize data collection and offer incentives for health care providers to improve standards for all patients. Lieberman introduced a similar bill in the last Congress.
Earlier in the week, a study reported that heart attack death rates were higher in hospitals that primarily treat black patients. It was the latest study to address the disparity in care.
The bill seeks to encourage uniform data collection so disparities in health care quality can be identified. It also would establish a system of grants to reduce disparities.
