GPOs Again Under Senate Microscope

A Washington Monthly front page story in this month's issue details the troubling practices carried out by some Group Purchasing Orders (GPOs), bringing them under new scrutiny.

The Wall Street Journal followed up on the coverage, and reported that Senator Herb Kohl of Wisconsin – who is the Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging – may be holding a hearing to examine how GPOs operate as soon as this Fall. Senator Kohl, in the past, has requested information on GPO fees and what financial relationships they may have with vendors.

MDMA continues to follow this issue and push for legislation that will restore the illegality of kickbacks between suppliers and GPOs so that patients have access to the best care at the best price.