LEGISLATIVE NEWS
2010 Regular Session . April 27, 2010
Action in House Civil Law Committee today
Jury trial monetary threshold bill
This jury trial threshold bill, HB 573 by Rep. Monica, was held in committee.
The bill as originally filed reduced the jury threshold from $50,000 to $10,000. As the bill was first presented to House Civil Law and Procedure Committee today, the author suggested amending the bill to a $25,000 threshold.
Rep. LaBruzzo offered a substitute amendment lowering the threshold to $30,000, to which the author agreed and the committee adopted. A motion by Rep. Edwards to defer the bill passed by a 7-6 vote:
Voting to defer: Burford, Cromer, Edwards, Johnson, Mills, Thierry, Willmott
Opposing the motion to defer: Abramson, LaBruzzo, Landry, Lorusso, Richardson, Schroeder
Not voting: Chairman Tim Burns
Absent: Hines
Bill relating to costs of obtaining medical records
HB 1159 by Rep. Greene had substantial amendments as it was taken up by the House Civil Law Committee. Speaking for the bill and explaining the amendments was LAJ member, Kenny Hooks of Baton Rouge. Do read the engrossed bill in order to track the language accurately.
As I try to piece some of the 16 amendments together with the original bill, it looks this way. The initial fee applies to 350 pages (not 500). A handling charge is increased from $15 to $25. The charges for providing digital copies shall not exceed $100, including all postage and handling charges actually incurred. Or not to exceed $200, etc., under another setting.
Each request for records shall be subject to only one handling charge and "the health care provider shall not divide the separate requests for different types of records." And, "The health care provider shall not charge any other fee which is not specifically authorized by the provisions of this Subparagraph ...". Continuing, "If requested, the health care provider shall provide the requestor at no extra charge, a certification page setting forth the completeness of the X-rays, microfilm, and electronic and imaging media on file."
We are continuing to track various immunity bills. Stay tuned.
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The session must adjourn on or before 6 p.m., Monday, June 21, 2010.