Medical Liability Reform

Background

Under our current medical liability system, physicians face expensive premiums for liability insurance, they fear litigation, expect lawsuits, and feel the psychological burden of navigating the complex system. At the same time patients suffer with claims that may take years to be decided, and verdicts and award amounts may hinge on the laws and legal climate of the state in which they are filed.

Where We Stand

The American College of Physicians believes that improving patient safety and preventing errors must be at the fore of the medical liability reform discussion. Comprehensive reform should include caps on noneconomic damages, establish minimum standards for expert witnesses, increase oversight of insurers, and develop safe harbor protections that improve quality of care. No-fault alternatives, such as health courts, should be tested. This multi-faceted approach should allow for innovation, pilot-testing and further research on the most effective reforms.