Healthcare -- Medical Malpractice
Issue Overview: Healthcare costs are skyrocketing, making it more and more difficult for small employers and employees to obtain affordable health insurance and care.
There are many factors that contribute to increased costs. One of the reasons is the ever-increasing medical malpractice insurance premiums for healthcare providers. This situation is causing crisis in many areas of the state, where communities are losing healthcare access altogether.
This session, the small-business community, healthcare providers and insurance carriers are supporting Sen. Carolyn Allen's SB 1223, a bill that would require a higher standard of proof -- clear and convincing evidence -- for medical malpractice cases related to certain emergency circumstances.
NFIB Position: NFIB supports efforts to maintaining doctors in Arizona, as well as keeping healthcare affordable. NFIB supports quality of care and accessibility to healthcare. NFIB supports SB 1223.
Issue Status: On Feb. 28, 2008, SB 1223 was approved by the Senate Health Committee by a vote of 5-1. On March 25, the Senate approved SB 1223 with 18 yes votes and 12 no votes. On April 2, while the House Health Committee scheduled to hear the bill, the bill sponsor withdrew the measure due to a lack of votes to move SB 1223 forward.
