A Patient's Bill of Rights
For the last two sessions of Congress, both houses have debated increasing a patient's leverage when dealing with managed care organizations like HMOs. Loosely called a "Patients Bill of Rights" the different bills offered a variety of benefits to consumers -- from the right to sue for lack of coverage to longer stays in the hospital after childbirth.

Despite these efforts, no comprehensive legislation was enacted. This year, the Congress will try again. In the Senate, Senators Edward Kennedy and John McCain have introduced legislation that Senate Democrats intend to adopt.

For the next eight months, the Online NewsHour will track their efforts to pass the Patients Bill of Rights through the Senate and the House. Through periodic reports and analysis, the story of how controversial legislation moves through the Congress will unfold.

Part I: The Kennedy/McCain Bill Explored will look at what is in the bill, who supports and opposes it and what are groups doing to influence the initial committee hearings.

For background on past efforts to enact the Patients Bill of Rights, click here.