Mark-Up of Medical Liability
Reform Legislation Postponed
July 26, 2002 - Due to last-minute scheduling changes
by the House Judiciary Committee, mark-up of the medical liability
reform bill, the "Help Efficient, Accessible, Low Cost,
Timely Healthcare Act" (HEALTH Act) (H.R.
4600) has been postponed until after the August recess.
The Committee had originally scheduled a mark-up for July
23.
After announcing the postponement, Chairman James Sensenbrenner
(R-Wisc.) reiterated his support for H.R. 4600 and expressed
concern that excessive litigation would impede quality initiatives
that rely on medical errors reporting. Ranking Minority Member
John Conyers (D-Mich.), doubted any link between malpractice
premium increases and malpractice lawsuits. He suggested that
premiums are high because the rate of medical errors is high.
Conyers added that overworked residents and inadequate nurse
staffing are contributing to the high rate of medical errors.
Information:
Christiane Mitchell, Senior Legislative Affairs Manager
AAMC Government Relations
cmitchell@aamc.org
(202) 828-0526
Get Washington Highlights
in your Inbox!
| 
