Parliamentarians will today debate measures which would give the Health Minister power to determine what fees are charged by doctors and dentists for their services.

And, in another measure expected to pass the House, the Finance Minister will be given enhanced powers to regulate insurers.

The Hospital Insurance Amendment (No 3) Act 2002 gives the Finance Minister the power to suspend or revoke an insurer's license under certain conditions, including if the insurer does not reimburse a medical practitioner according to the regulations.

But it would also give the insurer the right to appeal the Minister's actions to the Supreme Court.

And under the Bermuda Hospitals Board Amendment Act 2002, doctors will have to adhere to the fees schedule fixed by the Minister.

Government is bringing the bills in response to a protracted dispute between doctors and health insurance providers over a new fees schedule.

The two groups have been unable to agree on a new fees schedule for medical services and, last month, the Bermuda Medical Society announced that patients would be billed directly for their services. But insurers managed to get the courts to issue an injunction preventing doctors from billing their patients directly.

While the Bermuda Medical Society and the Bermuda Medical Association have welcomed the move to regulate insurers more closely, they argue that Government should not have the final say on fees for medical services.

Health Minister Nelson Bascome said yesterday that he was looking forward to the debate.

"Whilst I believe that it is not the most conducive way in which to have professional associations conduct their business, it gives the Government the power to make them come to a resolution," he said.

"I definitely expect bipartisan support.

"It was interesting during the early phases that the Opposition felt that the Minister already has the power to deal with such a matter.

"Since then they have found that they are misinformed and I believe that they will agree that this is a matter that assists all Bermudians. Health care will not (in the future) be adversely affected by such disputes."

Opposition Leader Grant Gibbons would not to say at this point whether the measures will be supported by his party.

"There are a number of outstanding questions as to whether or not the legislation will do what is intended," Dr. Gibbons said.

No other bills will be discussed at today's sitting.

Ruling party whip Ottiwell Simmons said that MPs will be able to retire relatively early.

"We won't be sitting up until the wee hours of the morning listening to anybody on a motion to adjourn," he predicted.