Countless hours of debate were spent addressing the issue of medical malpractice this week. Senate Bill 239 would create a statutory cause for damages against health care providers. This measure received final approval from the Senate and is moving to the House for similar consideration.
Senate Bill 239 would place caps on the amount of noneconomic damages one could receive for pain and suffering in medical malpractice lawsuits. These caps would be no more than $400,000 for personal injuries, and $700,000 for a catastrophic personal injury or death. This bill would not place caps on economic damages, such as time off work and medical expenses.
Missouri’s health care system if suffering due to the growing amounts of frivolous medical malpractice cases, which is leading to staggering insurance premiums, as well as increased medical expenses for patients. With health care providers already paying premiums of $25,000 to $50,000 annually, we are seeing more and more leaving the state or retiring early. Providing affordable and quality health care for Missourians is an unattainable task when we are losing our medical professionals to states like Kansas, whose insurance premiums are half of ours.
This legislation contains a clause that would allow caps to be exceeded if a jury’s verdict finds the allotted amount to be unsatisfactory. A trial court would then determine if the limitations or caps will remain in place or be waived.
This measure enables Missouri to control and lower insurance premiums for both health care providers and patients. It is time we start protecting the future of our state’s economy. This legislation is one step closer to building a stronger Missouri for all.
This week, I was also very pleased to see Senate Bill 341, legislation I filed in January, voted out of committee and placed on the formal calendar for perfection. This measure would establish procedures for reporting juveniles who have committed sexual abuses against another child. I look forward to debating this legislation on the floor and hopefully advancing SB 341 to the House.
It is an honor to be your State Senator and my door is always open to your concerns, questions or comments. Please feel free to contact me at (573) 751-2757 or visit my web page at www.senate.mo.gov/riddle. |
