Lawmakers Criticize U of Iowa Donation Plan

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Nov 3, 2009 at 10:30 AM CST

Story Updated: Nov 3, 2009 at 10:31 AM CST

IOWA CITY (AP) - State lawmakers are criticizing a plan from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics to ask outpatients for their permission to contact them about making donations to medical research.

Outpatients would be asked to sign consent forms to be contacted when they check-in. State Sen. Bob Dvorsky of Coralville says the plan should be reconsidered because patients are vulnerable when entering a hospital. State Rep. Jeff Kaufmann of Wilton says the practice can make patients uncomfortable and is "tacky."

But medical industry officials say its common for hospitals to make philanthropic appeals to patients. The University of Iowa says its plan is modeled after those at other hospitals.

University officials say the plan hasn't been finalized and discussions are ongoing.

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