A letter
was sent yesterday from independent consumer advocates to SIM leadership
calling for SIM to follow CT’s Public
Officials and State Employees Guide to the Code of Ethics, to protect the
integrity of both SIM contracting and larger health reform efforts in our state.
The advocates are asking for these protections now, before major procurements
and the details of health reform are set in place, avoiding ethical concerns in
the future and allowing reform to move forward confident that conflicted
interests will not drive policy. The Affordable Care Act and SIM grant offer
historic opportunities to reform our health system but also come with great
responsibilities. Effective reform requires confidence and trust across all
stakeholders. A strong ethics policy, that avoids even the perception of
impropriety, is critical to success. Since 1977, the Code has covered all state
contracting and procurements for public funds ensuring governmental integrity.
The letter outlines previous examples of divergence from the Code that reduced
credibility and harmed the public’s trust in CT state health policymaking. The
letter also offers successful models to engage all voices, including those who
will participate in SIM’s reforms, while maintaining independent decision
making.
