House Approves Medical Liability
Reforms
September 27, 2002-The House of Representatives passed
(217-203) medical liability reform legislation on Sept. 26.
The AAMC-supported "Help Efficient, Accessible, Low Cost,
Timely Health Care (HEALTH) Act" (H.R.
4600), which was introduced by Rep. Jim Greenwood (R-Pa.),
caps both punitive and non-economic damages awards, establish
statutes of limitations, and limits attorney's contingency
fees. It would reform the collateral source rule to halt double
recoveries and assure that defendants pay only their fair
share of awards. The HEALTH Act would also allow qualified
defendants to pay awards for future damages over time. The
House Rules Committee had barred Democrats (most of whom opposed
the bill) from offering any amendments on the House floor.
The Senate is not expected to act on an identical bill (S.
2793).
Information:
Christiane Mitchell, Senior Legislative Affairs Manager
AAMC Government Relations
cmitchell@aamc.org
(202) 828-0526
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