Governor Pledges Support for Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Reform

On a recent visit to St. Vincent Charity Hospital in Cleveland, Governor Bob Taft pledged his support for passage of Senate Bill 281, designed to tackle the skyrocketing medical liability costs that are forcing some Ohio Doctors to reduce services or stop practicing medicine. Senator David Goodman (R-Bexley), sponsor of the bill, stated this legislation would address one of the primary causes of higher malpractice insurance premiums, the rising cost of investigating, defending and settling medical malpractice claims. The Governor also announced that Lee Covington, Superintendent of the Ohio Department of Insurance would be creating a Medical Coverage Assistance Program to assist physicians who are having difficulties finding malpractice insurance.