Medical Malpractice
Issue Overview: Medical malpractice lawsuits in the U.S. are a growing concern; more than 900 new lawsuits are filed every day. Most awards, which average $300,000, are paid for with insurance.
NFIB Position: Multi-million dollars awards encourage questionable malpractice claims, driving up malpractice insurance rates and inflating health care costs. Proponents contend limits would reduce the number of claims, taking pressure off doctors to perform unneeded tests, commonly referred to as the practice of defensive medicine. The high cost of malpractice insurance is driving doctors away from risky specialties such as obstetrics, orthopedics and heart surgery. Proponents also contend the current situation has caused a shortage of doctors in rural areas.
In addition, the Rhode Island Trial Lawyers Association and community activists plan to introduce their solution to the medical malpractice issue; a solution that would probably cause all medical malpractice insurers to exit out state and cause the issue to explode.
Issue Status: Legislation will be introduced during the 2006 General Assembly session.
