AAMC Supports Medical Liability
Reform Legislation
May 24, 2002- AAMC President Jordan J. Cohen, M.D.,
May 20 sent a letter
to Rep. Jim Greenwood (R-Pa.) expressing support for his "Help
Efficient, Accessible, Low Cost, Timely Healthcare Act of
2002" (H.R.
4600) (HEALTH Act). The bill would help rein-in rising
medical liability insurance premiums by reforming the healthcare
liability system. Among the provisions in the HEALTH Act are
caps on non-economic ("pain and suffering") damages,
limits on attorney's contingency fees, and joint/several liability
reforms. H.R. 4600 also caps punitive damages awards, allows
periodic payment of some awards, establishes statutes of limitations,
and addresses collateral source benefits [see
Washington Highlights, May 10].
In the letter, Dr. Cohen explained that rising insurance
premiums are "a significant burden on AAMC members who
perform over two-thirds of all highly specialized surgeries
and provide about 45 percent of the nation's uncompensated
care within the context of a growing workforce shortage, increased
disaster readiness responsibilities, and declining reimbursement."
Information:
Christiane Mitchell, Senior Legislative Analyst
AAMC Government Relations
cmitchell@aamc.org
(202) 828-0526
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