Administration’s Medical Malpractice Reform Proposal Praised by AAI

President Bush’s proposal for major legislative reforms to address the medical malpractice liability crisis was praised by the Alliance of American Insurers.

“The Administration is clearly interested in making health care more affordable, more available and safer for patients,” Kenneth Schloman, Alliance Washington counsel, said. “This proposal is very similar to the Health Efficient, Accessible, Low Cost, Timely Health Care (HEALTH) Act of 2002, HR 4600, introduced by Rep. Jim Greenwood (R-PA) and currently being considered by the House Judiciary Committee.

“We applaud the President’s leadership. Clearly the litigation explosion our nation faces has expanded to the medical care arena, resulting in severe availability of care problems in many areas of the country. The President’s proposal, as well as HR 4600, represents a common sense solution to a problem that has resulted in higher medical prices and less choice for Americans.

“When the House returns from its August recess, we anticipate the Judiciary Committee will finish its markup on the HEALTH Act. It is our hope that they will then approve it and move it on for additional consideration by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The President’s call for medical malpractice reform should certainly help the bill’s chances.”