Open AccessThe emerging relevance of antitrust laws to the delivery of health care.
Author(s) -
Kenneth R. Wing
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.75.4.407
Subject(s) - competitor analysis , enforcement , jurisdiction , health care , federal law , business , relevance (law) , law , consent decree , law enforcement , political science , legislation , marketing
Until relatively recently, antitrust enforcement in the delivery of health care was virtually non-existent. Not even 15 years ago, many legal observers might have concluded that the professional services of medical care providers were exempted from the federal antitrust laws altogether; or that many providers were engaged in local activities beyond the reach of federal interstate commerce jurisdiction. Even 10 years ago, many providers were arguing that collective agreements among potential competitors were not only sound public policy, but also that such concerted activities were actively encouraged by various federal laws. Today, however, the enforcement of the federal antitrust is an integral part of the complicated legal environment of American health care delivery.