Bill · H.R. 9696· House(119-HR-9696)
Saving Lives and Reducing Health Care Waste by Improving Diagnosis in Medicine Act
- Introduced
- 7/15/2026
- Last activity
- 7/15/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- Donald Beyer
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Saving Lives and Reducing Health Care Waste by Improving Diagnosis in Medicine Act," aims to improve the quality and effectiveness of medical diagnoses. It directs the establishment of a comprehensive research and quality improvement program to understand and eliminate diagnostic errors. The legislation creates a system for patients and families to voluntarily report diagnostic errors and near misses to improve public health safety. It also establishes an Interagency Council to coordinate efforts across various federal departments to enhance diagnostic research and clinical practices. Additionally, the bill focuses on standardizing health data to support better research and safety outcomes.
Yes· 3 of 8
Does this put more money into medical research?+8
The bill authorizes significant new funding for research into diagnostic safety, quality improvement, and clinical practice.
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+3
The inclusion of the Department of Veterans Affairs in the interagency council specifically addresses veteran healthcare quality.
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+2
Improving diagnostic timeliness and quality can help patients receive more effective care more quickly.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Patient Safety: The bill seeks to assess and understand diagnostic errors and delays to eliminate failures that lead to significant patient harm (Section 3, subsection a).
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Increased Quality and Timeliness of Care: The research program aims to develop evidence-based strategies to improve diagnostic quality and timeliness (Section 3, subsection a, clause 2).
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Empowerment of Patients and Families: A multi-stakeholder advisory committee will include patients and family members with lived experience to ensure the program focuses on outcomes that matter most to them (Section 3, subsection b, clause 4).
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Voice for Patients: The act directs the development of a strategic plan to allow patients, families, and caregivers to voluntarily report their experiences with diagnostic errors and near misses (Section 4, subsection a).
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Protection of Patient Rights: While creating a reporting system, the bill explicitly states that such reporting shall not affect the legal rights of patients or the remedies available to them (Section 4, subsection b, clause 2).
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Data-Driven Improvements: The bill encourages the use of modern technology, such as artificial intelligence and data science, to identify safety signals and improve diagnostic processes (Section 3, subsection b, clause 1; Section 4, subsection c, clause 1).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No Specific Negative Impacts Identified: The provided text focuses on the establishment of programs, research, and reporting mechanisms intended to improve the healthcare system; it does not explicitly list burdens or negative consequences for individuals.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Healthcare
- Increases Research Funding+8Improves Healthcare Access+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans+3Good For Children+2Good For Low Income Households+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+1
- 7/15/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Kim SchrierDemocrat · Washington
Jefferson Van DrewRepublican · New Jersey