The role of the engineer and IEEE in health care policy

Cost-benefit issues related to health care are highlighted. The establishment by IEEE of a Health Care Engineering Policy Committee is discussed. Consisting of IEEE members interested in the application of engineering to assist in rational formulation of health care legislation, regulation and policy in the United States, its goal is to provide sound technical and professional counsel, based on the best resources the IEEE can bring to bear on specific health care policy issues. Activities of the committee are described