Law Commons^™

Reducing The Discount Rate, Ben L. Trachtenberg

Faculty Publications

This article presents two arguments against the “discounting” of future human lives as part of cost benefit analysis, or CBA. Our first argument is that because CBA has thus far ignored evidence of rising health care expenditures, it underestimates the “willingness to pay” for health and safety that future citizens will likely exhibit, thereby undervaluing their lives. Our second argument is that until recently CBA has ignored the trend of improved material conditions in developed countries, and most agencies continue to ignore it entirely. As time advances, residents of rich countries tend to live better and spend more, meaning that …

Meaningful Use And Certification Of Health Information Technology: What About Safety?, Sharona Hoffman, Andy Podgurski

Faculty Publications

Health information technology (HIT) is becoming increasingly prevalent in medical offices and facilities. Like President George W. Bush before him, President Obama announced a plan to computerize all Americans’ medical records by 214. Computerization is certain to transform American health care, but to ensure that its benefits outweigh its risks, the federal government must provide appropriate oversight.

President Obama’s stimulus legislation, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 29 (ARRA), dedicated $27 billion to the promotion of health information technology. It provides payments of up to $44, per clinician under the Medicare incentive program and $63,75 per clinician under the …