Issues task force will study

The Privately Owned Health Care Organization Task Force will consist of 15 members — six from the Senate and nine from the House of Representatives — who will review:

• Market penetration, geographic distribution and contracting arrangements of integrated health care systems in Utah.

• The adequacy and application of antitrust provisions to health care organizations.

• Business and financial practices of health care organizations.

• The tax-exempt status of IHC.

• The statutory definition of charitable care.

• The contracting practices of health care organizations that promote cost-effective health care.

• The need for consumer protections from health care provider conflicts of interest.

• The impact of proliferation of medical technology and facilities.

The task force will deliver its review and recommendations on Nov. 30, 2006.