MD. SESSION ON MED-MAL UNLIKELY:

Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich’s failure to provide a source of funds needed to underwrite malpractice insurance premiums makes a special session of the legislature unlikely, according to Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller. Miller and House Speaker Michael Busch agree that the only reason to hold a special session before the regular legislative session begins in January would be to provide immediate relief to doctors whose premium increases of 33 percent or more must be paid by the end of December. Miller said the governor still has not suggested a way to raise the money except to take it from the regular state budget. With the state facing a budget deficit of about $500 million next year, legislative leaders say a new source of revenue is needed. “Without a revenue source, there’s no need for a special session,” Miller said. The goal has been to create a temporary fund that would limit premium increases by Medical Mutual Liability Insurance Society and underwrite losses the insurer might incur as a result of getting less money in premiums. The fund would be part of a plan to address the problem over the long haul that could include limits on medical malpractice lawsuits, new standards for patient care and new restrictions on Medical Mutual, which insures most doctors in Maryland.