Government
Tort reform revival possible in Senate
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Feb. 23, 2004
A medical liability bill could be brought back to the Senate sometime during the next six weeks, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, MD (R, Tenn.), told reporters gathered recently for a breakfast in Washington, D.C. But exactly what the measure could look like is still being debated.
"It could be a comprehensive bill," Dr. Frist said. "It could be a more targeted bill," focusing on providing relief for the hardest-hit specialists.
The House last year approved legislation that would put a $250,000 cap on noneconomic damage awards in malpractice cases -- a measure President Bush has said he would sign. The bill's proponents were unable to prevent a Senate filibuster last year.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2004/02/23/gvbf0223.htm.
