The article argues that the Federal Reserve's recent rate hike decision, while justifiable on inflation grounds, highlights a critical lack of an underlying, transparent policy framework. The core problem is that the Fed's decisions appear discretionary, leading to market uncertainty because the committee's judgment, rather than clear data, dictates policy shifts. The author proposes that the Fed adopt a formal monetary policy rule—an algebraic formula linking the target rate to indicators like inflation and unemployment—to replace subjective guidance. Implementing such a rule would provide market predictability, enhance transparency, and shield the Fed from political attacks by making deviations from the standard easily quantifiable.
Qualified Medical Evaluators and the Medical-Legal Process in California Workers' Compensation
English Summary
This RAND analysis assesses the sustainability and efficiency of California's Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) system, which is critical for resolving workers' compensation disputes. Key findings reveal structural challenges, including supply/demand mismatches, difficulties in medical record delivery, and concerns regarding the current reimbursement structure. To improve the system's quality and sustainability, the report recommends structural reforms, such as implementing centralized electronic record repositories and adjusting fee schedules to better support QMEs and the overall medical-legal process.
中文摘要
這份RAND分析評估了加州合格醫療評估員（QME）系統的永續性與效率，該系統對於解決工傷補償糾紛至關重要。主要發現揭示了結構性挑戰，包括供需不匹配、醫療紀錄傳遞困難，以及對現行報銷結構的擔憂。為提升系統的品質與永續性，報告建議進行結構性改革，例如實施中央電子病歷儲存庫，並調整費用排程，以更好地支持QME和整體醫學法律流程。
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