Conn. Med-Mal Bill Now on Gov. Rowland’s Desk

The Connecticut Senate has passed a medical-malpractice bill that proponents hope will reduce doctors’ premiums despite the fact it does not contain caps on awards.

The final bill has been sent to Republican Gov. John G. Rowland, who has vowed to veto any bill that does not have caps on damages.

The heated battle over the measure pit doctors and lawyers against each other. Trial lawyers see the measure as a victory while doctors were disappointed. Timothy B. Norbeck, executive director of the Connecticut State Medical Society, said the bill was inadequate and would temper premiums by as little as 2 percent. He said the medical group will be back next year because to try again.

The bill requires judicial review of every medical malpractice lawsuit and pre-trial mediation. The plan also grants physicians a 100 percent tax credit for if their medical malpractice premiums exceed 25 percent of the their taxable income.

Topics Connecticut