Illinois Docs Rally, Urge U.S. Senate to Act

Thousands of patients, physicians and other supporters of medical liability reform gathered in Chicago’s Daley Plaza to urge federal lawmakers to fix an out-of-control legal system that is seriously threatening patient access to quality health care.

Because of unrestrained lawsuits and a “jackpot justice” mentality, some Illinois physicians are being forced to no longer provide certain services such as delivering babies and performing neurosurgery or trauma services. The unrestrained legal climate is causing liability insurance premiums to skyrocket to well over $100,000 for these high-risk specialties.

The rally was sponsored by the Chicago Medical Society (CMS) and is strongly supported by the Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS), American Medical Association (AMA), and more than 55 physician, hospital and other health care groups. Illinois is one of 18 states the AMA considers in a medical liability crisis.

Three times, Illinois has enacted medical liability reforms into law. Each time the Illinois Supreme Court has ruled them unconstitutional-a prime factor why the CMS and ISMS are pressing so strongly for federal action based on the comprehensive reforms that have protected California’s patients and physicians for more than 25 years.

In March 2003, the HEALTH Act, federal legislation based on California’s reforms, passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The U.S. Senate is expected to consider similar legislation in the coming months, and the three organizations are encouraging patients and physicians to contact their U.S. Senators.

The reforms contained in the HEALTH Act include:
— Ensuring patients receive 100 percent compensation for their economic losses, including medical expenses, rehabilitation costs and lost wages, if harmed by a physician’s negligence;
— Maximizing the amount of money juries award for patients — not trial lawyers; and
— Placing a $250,000 limit on non-economic damages, and also allowing states the flexibility to establish different caps.

Topics USA Legislation Illinois Politics