PwC's Health Research Institute Adds Regulatory Analysis Capability

WASHINGTON, Nov. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- PwC US today announced the expansion of its health industry research arm to include a new team focused on healthcare policy and regulatory issues.  The team, which joins PwC's Health Research Institute (HRI), tracks and analyzes legislative and regulatory issues across the U.S. health landscape, delivering timely business insights to help executive decision makers navigate rapid change.

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PwC's new HRI regulatory team includes: Bobby Clark, Matt DoBias and Caitlin Sweany, and is overseen by Benjamin Isgur, a director and former legislative director for the Texas House of Representatives.  HRI is led by managing director Ceci Connolly, a veteran Washington journalist and author.

"The pace and plethora of rules that health organizations must comply with makes decision makers susceptible to information overload and knowledge deficiency," said Kelly Barnes, PwC's US Health Industries Leader.  "We're pleased to welcome this talented new team to PwC's Health Research Institute as we aim to not only help clients stay abreast of crucial issues, but one step ahead.  We're committed to providing clients with insightful knowledge in real time to navigate this dynamic, highly regulated industry and enable strategic decision making."

Based in Washington, DC, the regulatory team issues a weekly report and periodic in-depth examinations of major legislative and regulatory developments, providing analysis on the implications for organizations across the health spectrum, including insurers, providers, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, as well as employers and consumers.  This regulatory team builds on the primary research and analytic capabilities of HRI:

• Matt DoBias, an award-winning journalist, is focused on a range of regulatory and policy issues that affect hospitals and physicians.  As a former policy reporter, DoBias produced high-impact coverage of the debate over the Affordable Care Act.  He has held staff positions at Modern Healthcare, National Journal and Politico.  He is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.
• Bobby Clark was formerly director of federal affairs at Teva Pharmaceuticals and an advisor to Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health before joining PwC.  Clark is focused on the analysis of legislative and regulatory initiatives affecting the life sciences sector.  He holds a bachelor's degree from Rutgers University and a master's degree in public policy from Georgetown University, where he specialized in healthcare policy.
• Caitlin Sweany, a consultant with PwC's Health Industries practice, transfers to the regulatory team to cover issues facing the insurance industry and other healthcare purchasers, such as state governments. Before joining PwC, she was in the Health Care Bureau of the New York State Office of the Attorney General where she provided research support and analysis on healthcare matters.  Sweany earned a master's degree from Columbia University's School of Public Health after graduating from Haverford College in Philadelphia with a bachelor's degree in biology.

PwC's Health Research Institute publishes in-depth, data-driven reports and briefs on current and emerging health industry trends.  Recently published reports include: an analysis on the impact of the 2012 Presidential elections and the 113th U.S. Congress, an in-depth look at the demographic profile of the 30 million newly-insured population under the Affordable Care Act and new patients under the law's Medicaid expansion.

For more information, visit: www.pwc.com/us/hriregdesk.  

About PwC's Health Research Institute (HRI)
PwC's Health Research Institute provides new intelligence, perspectives and analysis on trends affecting all health-related industries. The Health Research Institute helps executive decision makers navigate change through primary research and collaborative exchange. HRI's views are shaped by a network of professionals with executive and day-to- day experience in the health industry. PwC's research is independent and not sponsored by businesses, government or other institutions.

About PwC's Health Industries Group
PwC's Health Industries group (www.pwc.com/us/healthindustries) is a leading advisor to public and private organizations across the health industries, including healthcare providers, pharmaceuticals, health and life sciences, payers, employers, academic institutions and non-health organizations with significant presence in the health market. Follow PwC Health Industries at @PwCHealth.

About the PwC Network
PwC firms help organizations and individuals create the value they're looking for. We're a network of firms in 158 countries with more than 180,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance, tax and advisory services. Tell us what matters to you and find out more by visiting us at www.pwc.com.

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SOURCE PwC US