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DJP 4-12-2005 AMA Update - Missouri win and Lagniappe: Poll
My computer is repaired and all is working at the moment. So a quick update as anything can happen in the world of computers!
Missouri 2005 medical liability reform
Just prior to the AMA Board meeting ending today, I had the opportunity to visit and speak at the Missouri State Medical Association Annual Meeting. I brought them great praise from AMA for a job well done regarding medical liability reform.
For the third straight year Missouri's General Assembly passed a medical liability reform bill that significantly strengthens Missouri's existing reforms. In 2003 and 2004, however, Democratic Governor Bob Holden vetoed the legislation. This year Republican Governor Matt Blunt signed H.B. 393 into law, putting into place much needed reforms, including language strengthening Missouri's cap on non-economic damages. Missouri State Medical Association worked long and hard to achieve this significant victory.
MSMA and the doctors and patients in Missouri didn't give up! Congratulaitons!!
Summary of the cap portion of Missouri H.B. 393
Cap on Non-economic Damages - Creates a hard $350,000 cap on non-economic damages. H.B. 393 deletes language in Missouri's law that adjusted the cap annually. H.B. 393 also deletes the word “occurrence” from the law, thereby clarifying that multiple caps cannot apply to a single defendant (effectively overturning the Scott decision in which the Missouri Supreme Court interpreted the term “per occurrence” to apply to each individual act of negligence even if multiple caps could apply to a single defendant). H.B. 393 also specifies that a single $350,000 cap will apply irrespective of the number of defendants.
LAGNIAPPE: Dr, Joe Heyman of the AMA Board brought to the Board and Senior Management's attention that Modern Physician magazine is doing a poll to get the public's opinion as to:
"50 Most Powerful Physician
Executives
The current list of 100 includes the AMA's 3 presidents, Board Chair, and the EVP/CEO as well as others you know such as Dr. Bohn Allen of Texas, Dr. Jack Lewin of California, Dr. Richard Carmona, etc.
The vote that is being done online will cut the list to 50 and rank the individuals.
If you are inclined to vote, go to:
The deadline is May 6.
Stay well and travel with care. I am in the Chicago O'Hare Airport waiting for a flight to New York for a dinner meeting tonight, and two speeches tomorrow at Elmhurst Hospital Center and Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
Donald J. Palmisano, MD, JD AMA Immediate Past-President
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