The American Medical Association appealed to the Congressional Ways and Means Health Subcommittee to not grant immunity to HMO's, but to treat them like every other entity in our society. AMA President-elect Richard F. Corlin, MD in his testimony before the Committee stated, "There is no sound policy reason why we should leave injured patients with no real legal remedy when they have been injured by a negligent health plan. This is truly an issue of fundamental unfairness."

According to a Kaiser/Harvard poll, most Americans agree. While the numbers change slightly from month to month, the latest poll showed 75 percent of Americans support patient protection, including a patient's bill of rights and the right to hold HMO's accountable for harm.

According to the AMA, numerous judges have called on Congress to fix the problem. Dr. Corlin quoted a federal judge who had to throw out a case against a health plan saying: "The tragic events set for in [this woman's] complaint cry out for relief... Nevertheless, this court has no choice but to... slam the courthouse doors in her face and leave her without any remedy."

The AMA campaign is being conducted not only in DC, but it is going to the public. In issue ads being run by the AMA titled "Don't Let Big Insurance Ambush Patients' Rights" voters can find an 800-numbers to call their U.S. Senators voicing their support for patients' rights. Information about the issues and campaign can be found on the AMA website.