Recorded presentation

Jamie Harvie, Institute for Sustainable Futures, 32 E. 1st Street, Suite 206, Duluth, MN 55802, (218) 525-7806, harvie@isfusa.org

The role of healthcare in the national economy is significant. As a result, healthcare facilities can play an important role in the transformation of the national economy to one that is protective of environmental health. Healthcare facilities typically purchase through Group Purchasing Organizations, purchasing groups which aggregate healthcare purchases to achieve reduced prices through economies of scale. Current regulations require minimal, if any, premarket safety testing of products sold in the market place. Through an active role in the GPO councils and product acquisition committees, healthcare practitioners can play an important role in the selection of environmentally preferable products. Collectively, this can be an important signal to market and policy makers about the need for improved product design. Green cleaners, computers, flooring, food, mercury containing medical products are some of the many examples of products and/or purchases where leading facilities are beginning to purchase with preventive health approach.

Learning Objectives: Following the presentation, the participant (learner) will

• Understand the group purchasing model and procurement system.
• Understand limitations of current regulatory system.
• Be able to discuss model environmentally preferable purchasing programs.

Keywords: Environment, Health Care Delivery

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation