PATIENTS’ RIGHTS: Will the GOP Reach a Compromise?

      A GOP managed care reform compromise may be on the horizon, as conference negotiations between Senate and House Republicans took on a "new intensity," negotiation insiders told Congress Daily/A.M. Senate Majority Whip Don Nickles (R-Okla.), the conference chair, met yesterday with House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), Rep. Charles Norwood (R-Ga.) and House GOP conferees. He plans to continue discussions today. Norwood, who some consider "crucial" to getting a managed bill through the House, said his meetings with Nickles were "pretty good," leaving some close to the negotiations speculating that a deal could possibly be announced by the end of the week. Norwood also suggested that the recent Supreme Court decision could influence discussions. He said the main difference between House and Senate Republicans involves the scope of the bill. After Democrats walked out of negotiations earlier this month, Republicans were "left talking among themselves." But Nickles said he is "optimistic" that Democrats can be brought back to the table. Because negotiations are still in the works, members have declined to comment on the proceedings. Conferee Rep. John Shadegg (R-Ariz.) said, "We're all being tight-lipped because this is so delicate," adding that the process is now continuing "at a much-accelerated pace" (Fulton, 6/22).