State and Federal Policy Brief Reviews

The Maryland Medical Marijuana Act and

The Fiscal Sustainability act of 2013

Heather V. Westerfield MSN, RN CMSRN

State Brief

www.dc.about.com

Maryland Medical Marijuana Act

House Bill 302Authorizes the medical use of marijuana under specified conditions.Protection from arrest in the state. (Still prosecutable at the federal level)

www.wggb.com

Policy Brief

Issue before congress is whether to allow the use of medical marijuana without fear of prosecution

Importance of the Problem

The use of medical marijuana is illegal under federal law.

Patients can still be arrested by federal law enforcement agents, and furthermore prosecuted under federal law.

www.tokeofthetown.com

Reasons to Oppose

Impaired coordination and decision making ability

No medical value “Smoking” is not a predictable delivery system Undermines the war on drugs

In Favor

Treats symptoms Number of healthcare agencies support its use

Focus- Federal vs. State

Federal Brief

Fiscal Sustainability Act of 2013

Senate Bill S.11 To provide a comprehensive deficit reduction

plan, and for other purposes.

www.projectinsight.net

Slow down on Spending

Reduce health care costs without reducing the quality of care that is provided.

Types of Waste

Failures of Care Delivery Failures of Care Coordination Overtreatment Administrative Complexity Pricing Failures Fraud and Abuse

Policy Options

Waste attributed to the way they US health system is: Organized Paid for Deliverd

IOM Recommendations

September 2012 Recommended changes will improve care and

reduce expenses. No Estimated cost savings

www.myinvestmentideas.com

What initiatives will help decrease waste? Information Technology Adoption Pay-for-performance Payment and Delivery Reforms Comparative Effectiveness Research Competitive Bidding

Conclusion

Reduce health care costs without reducing the quality of care that is provided.

Walk the fine line between offering healthcare that is of no benefit and situations where benefits are relatively small.

There are many initiatives that are already in place to help reduce waste in health care.