[Mrfnews] 08NR12 - MRF News Release - HIPAA Update

[mrfnews at mrf.org]

MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation
236 Massachusetts Ave. NE
Suite 510
Washington, DC 20002-4980
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For Immediate Release

Contact: Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations
Email: jeff at mrf.org

July 30, 2008

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation reports that language similar to the
HIPAA loophole-fix language contained in HR 1076 may be offered by the
bill's sponsor to a piece of legislation being worked on by the US House
Energy and Commerce committee, as previously reported by the MRF.

While we are not privy to private negotiations between committee
leadership and the bill's sponsor, we are cautiously optimistic that
language that would be of benefit to motorcyclists would be included.  The
MRF has been aggressively lobbying committee members and staff to
encourage this.

You may recall reading about an amendment offered in a committee mark up
two weeks ago - that would have closed the loophole - that allows for
insurance companies to refuse benefits for an injury, based on the source
of the injury.

It's what is known in the insurance industry as a "source of injury
exclusion". The amendment, offered by Dr. Michael Burgess (R-TX) was ruled
not germane by Chairman Dingell (D-MI) and struck down.

Upon closer examination, it was brought to light that in fact the
amendment was germane, so germane that the Chairman admitted he was wrong,
that he was embarrassed by the oversight and wanted to correct his
mistake. At that point the committee had dispensed of the bill leaving the
fate of the amendment up to the House Rules committee, the last committee
to consider any legislation before full consideration of the House.

A few options remain. Chairman Dingell, the Ranking Republican on the
Committee, Mr. Barton (R-TX) and the amendment author, Mr. Burgess, have
all signed off on a process agreement and a recommendation to the Rules
committee to include the amendment before the measure is voted on before
the full House of Representatives.

The MRF will notify you if and when the legislation comes before the House
for a vote.

This positive news puts HR 1076 one step closer to becoming law. However
much remains to be seen from the Rules committee, the Senate (S 616) and
ultimately the White House.





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(c)All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction
permitted with attribution. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation, incorporated
in 1987, is a membership-based, national motorcyclists' rights
organization headquartered in Washington, DC. The first motorcyclists'
rights organization to establish a full-time presence in Washington, DC,
the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is the only Washington voice devoted
exclusively to the street rider. The MRF established MRFPAC in the early
1990s to advocate the election of candidates who would champion the cause
of rider safety and rider freedom.

The MRF proudly claims state motorcyclists' rights organizations and the
very founders of the American riders' rights movement among its leading
members. The MRF is involved in federal and state legislation and
regulations, motorcycling safety education, training, and public
awareness. The MRF provides members and state motorcyclists' rights
organizations with direction and information, and sponsors annual regional
and national educational seminars for motorcyclists rights activists, as
well as publishing a bi-monthly newsletter, THE MRF REPORTS.