 |
 |
     |
| NEC › Issues › Legal Reform › Medical Malpractice Liability Reform | ||
|
|
Medical Malpractice Liability ReformBecause New England is such a prominent leader in healthcare, the region is directly affected by legislative and regulatory initiatives that impact the industry. Medical malpractice liability reform is one such initiative that directly impacts many sectors of New England’s health care industry. The Council has advocated in favor of passing reasonable legislation in this area, considering that failing to enact appropriate legislation would not only affect the number of doctors that choose to practice certain types of medicine (keeping in consideration that many New England doctors are traditionally associated with being involved in high-risk, cutting edge medical fields), but would also impact our world-renowned hospitals which, without reform, must continue to pay ever-increasing premiums. The region's medical device manufacturers, as well as pharmaceutical companies, have also felt the effects of being named as plaintiffs in litigation. Specifically, the Council has advocated in favor of meaningful reforms, which include a reasonable cap on non-economic damages and the imposition of several (rather than joint) liability, which are necessary to curb the liability crisis. By enacting reasonable reforms, the practice of defensive medicine will be reduced, frivolous litigation will be curtailed, and the medical liability system will become more predictable, leading to lower healthcare costs in all aspects of the healthcare sector. As a result, both access to and quality of care will be improved. Despite persistent advocacy on the part of the Council, the Senate has failed to invoke cloture on several different pieces of medical malpractice reform legislation. We will continue with our efforts to achieve meaningful reform. Advocacy: |
|
