LEGISLATIVE NEWS
2010 Regular Session . April 26, 2010
Medical Malpractice issues
In House Civil Law Committee today, several bills involving medical malpractice received action. Thanks to LAJ members who participated in the hearing: Ben Mouton, Chairman of LAJ’s Medical Malpractice Section; Pam Ashman, John Hammons, Jeff Mitchell and Jackson Schrumpf.
HB 175 – Edwards
Rep. John Bel Edwards explained in his opening remarks that he would not ask for a vote on the bill; rather, he brought the bill for educational purposes. The committee then heard a presentation by Rep. Edwards as to the need for this bill increasing the cap and adjusting other portions of the malpractice act after these decades. LAJ members and clients also testified. As the hearing was lasting almost to 1 p.m., the committee did not take testimony from the opponents, but did read the names of the opponents into the records.
HB 427 – Mills
The legislation would provide a virtual immunity for health care providers in emergency situations. After the presentation by the proponents, members of the committee took great issue with the bill, and, at the request of the author, the bill was voluntarily deferred.
HB 394 – Mills
Legislation pertained to the Patient’s Compensation Fund and its administration. Health care providers want to keep the fund from being administered by the Commissioner of Insurance, who opposed this bill. The bill was reported favorably.
HB 264 – Willmott
Added certain therapists to the listing of health care providers under Medical Malpractice Act. The bill was reported favorably.
HB 708 – Carmody
This bill would increase fees for requested defendants for medical review panels from $100 to $500. There was no hearing. The bill was voluntarily deferred by the author. The bill still can be scheduled on another date for hearing.
HB 1018 – White
This bill comes from the attorney general’s office and deals with medical malpractice claims by prisoners and whether or not there will be medical review panels. It was reported favorably.
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