In a WTOP-FM interview,
Health Affairs Editor-In-Chief
Alan Weil discussed the subject of private equity acquisitions in health care, which have nearly tripled from 2010 to 2020.
Weil observed that these transactions are frequently short-term investments, with a focus on the bottom line, and noted that there are sometimes negative consequences for the patients involved.
With Congress considering legislation to regulate ownership, Weil said that from a patients’ perspective, lawmakers should consider regulations to guarantee quality, such as minimum staffing-to-patient ratios in nursing homes.
He cited a new article on the subject, in the May issue of
Health Affairs, where authors
Christopher Cai and
Zirui Song present several ways to improve oversight and institutional quality.
For more information, read the article,
Protecting Patients And Society In An Era Of Private Equity Provider Ownership: Challenges And Opportunities For Policy