New Hampshire Court Sets October Date for Malpractice Fund Arguments

The New Hampshire Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments on Oct. 15 in a dispute between the state and medical providers over $110 million in a malpractice fund.

The state had asked the court to expedite the appeal. The court shaved two weeks off the time the state has to file its briefs but gave the medical providers the full 30 days it requested.

Last month, a lower court denied the state’s claim to the $110 million surplus in the fund that underwrites malpractice insurance. The state is appealing, arguing the money is for health care spending in the state budget.

Lawyers for Lakes Region General Hospital in Laconia and other policyholders of the Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriting Association argue the state has no right to the money.