Second House Panel Approves
Medical Liability Legislation
September 20, 2002-The House Energy and Commerce Committee
Sept. 18 approved legislation (H.R.
4600) that would limit damage awards and plaintiff lawyer's
fees in medical liability lawsuits. The Help Efficient, Accessible,
Low Cost, Timely Health Care (HEALTH) Act of 2002 was approved
by the House Judiciary Committee on Sept. 10 [see Washington
Highlights, Sept. 13]. Specifically, the Energy and
Commerce Committee approved an amendment in the form of a
substitute sponsored by Rep. James Greenwood (R-Pa.) - who
introduced the legislation - that made adjustments to the
statutes of limitations in the bill. The Committee did adopt
an amendment offered by Rep. Charles Norwood (R-Ga.) expressing
a Sense of the Congress that "Health insurers should
be held liable for negligent decisions resulting in patient
harm." H.R. 4600 is expected to be heard on the House
floor during the week of Sept. 23. No action is expected on
the Senate version of the bill (S.
2793).
Information:
Christiane Mitchell, Senior Legislative Affairs Manager
AAMC Government Relations
cmitchell@aamc.org
(202) 828-0526
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