I'm not going to lie and say that I read the entire 1,990 page health care bill unveiled by House Democrats on Thursday. But I sure did stumble on some interesting things as I ripped through the measure.
For one, it looks like "death panels" are back, or at least the argument about it. I say that because the section of the bill that created a stir about the possibility of death panels has been reworked and is back in the bill.
We've got Section 240, "Dissemination of Advance Care Planning Information," which says people should be able to set up their advanced directives and life sustaining treatment.
"An individual may receive the voluntary advance care planning care planning consultation provided for under this subsection no more than once every 5 years unless there is a significant change in the health or health related condition of the individual," it says on page 643.
There is obviously someone in the House who really, really, really wants this advance care stuff in this health reform bill.
Then there is the section of the bill that would force restaurants to post nutritional information about their regular menu items. Self-serve salad bars and cafeterias would have to do the same.
And so would vending machines, if you own or operate "20 or more vending machines."
"The vending machine operator shall provide a sign in close proximity to each article of food or the selection button that includes a clear and conspicuous statement disclosing the number of calories contained in the article," the bill says on page 1516.
Finally, there is the "rifle shot" provision for the Indian Hospital in Claremore, Oklahoma.
"The Claremore Indian Hospital shall be deemed to be a dependant Indian community for the purposes of section 1151 of title 18, United States Code," it reads on page 1960.
That section deals with "Indian Lands" - like reservations and such. So evidently, this hospital would be deemed an "Indian community" and would then be eligible for new aid and other programs.
The hospital is in the district of Rep. Dan Boren (D-OK), who has a district office just 1.1 miles away from that hospital.
(Go up 1st Street, hang a right on N. Lynn Riggs Boulevard, take your second left on West Will Rogers and it's just up the road from there.
An email to Boren's office was not answered by his press secretary. I had interviewed Boren yesterday, but that was before I found this provision.
It would make sense that it's his, right?
Well, then explain that by knowing that Boren has been against this bill from the beginning.
"I gave the people of the 2nd District a promise that I wouldn't vote for it, and I'm not going to," Boren said.
I'm sure there has to be more in there. Stay tuned.
