U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) believes DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) and CRT (Critical Race Theory) could harm America’s healthcare system and is introducing legislation to fight against it.
Palmer reacted to a report detailing how too many medical institutions are prioritizing DEI initiatives above providing quality care to patients.
Injecting racism into things like Medicare will have a serious effect on our healthcare system.
Fortunately, I have a bill to stop CRT and DEI in our healthcare system: https://t.co/197vBomz5g https://t.co/BOMjXOfT8u
— Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) February 27, 2024
The congressman pointed people to his Prevent Racism in Medicare Act (PRIMA), which he introduced earlier this month.
This bill will prohibit healthcare providers from being forced to adhere to the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) racially discriminatory policies.
“All Americans should be treated the same by their doctors,” Palmer said, “regardless of race, and the Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements should not be impacted one way or the other.”
RELATED: Ban on state-funded DEI initiatives advancing imminently through Alabama Senate
The legislation specifically address a new Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule which includes a provision that would provide a financial incentive for doctors to create and implement an anti-racism plan. The rule specifies that the plans should “include a clinic-wide review of existing tools and policies, such as value statements or clinical practice guidelines, to ensure that they include and are aligned with a commitment to anti-racism”.
“This rule by HHS incentivizes Critical Race Theory if your doctor wants to be reimbursed at a higher rate,” Palmer argued. “Dividing Americans along racial lines in the doctor’s office will continuing eroding confidence in our institutions. My bill will prevent this destructive ideology from being implemented and ensure no patient is discriminated against.”
The bill is cosponsored by Rep. Michael Cloud (R-Tex.), Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.), and Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.).
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee
