AMA Backs Florida’s Call for Medical Liability Reform

March 25, 2004

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The American Medical Association (AMA) issued a statement Thursday as it keeps its eyes on the medical liability climate in Florida. The following comments are attributed to Donald Palmisano, president, of AMA.

“The American Medical Association urges Florida residents to protect their access to care – and make sure that deserving patients, not lawyers, receive the majority of any jury awards – by signing the petition for a constitutional amendment that limits lawyers’ contingency fees.

“Florida physicians are being forced to stop high-risk services, take
early retirement and even leave practice altogether – because they either cannot find or cannot afford medical liability insurance. Obstetricians in Florida are finding it increasingly more difficult to
deliver babies – because of a legal climate that saddles them with the nation’s highest insurance premiums.

“At least seven Florida hospitals have closed obstetrics units because of insurance concerns, while four other hospitals have reduced obstetrical services. In addition, neurological services at 10 hospitals have been eliminated, reduced or limited.

“The medical liability system needs to change – because the status quo cannot stand. The access problems Florida’s patients face are real. When doctors can’t afford insurance, patients can’t get care.”

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Latest Comments

  • June 9, 2004 at 3:52 am
    BL says:
    What seems strange to me is that malpractice lawyers deny any relatioinship between the high number of (often frivolous) malpracitce cases in Florida (and the cost it takes to... read more
  • March 26, 2004 at 3:24 am
    Tim Hogan says:
    It seems strange that the AMA is out supporting some limits on attorneys' contingency fees by an amendment to the Florida constitution. The article doesn't distinguish whether... read more
  • March 26, 2004 at 12:31 pm
    JB says:
    Malpractice Myths: The AMA and Insurance Industry have been on a campaign to convince legislators that 1: There is a malpractice insurance crisis which is making insurance too... read more
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