Hearings on HB 665 continued this week. The AMC/NOMA provided testimony on Monday, November 25th. Our testimony included a complete copy of our latest physician survey analysis which showed that of over ninety percent of the physicians responding from Northeastern Ohio had experienced an increase in insurance rates of 110% this year with the expectation of a similar increase in 2003. Also included in the AMC/NOMA testimony was an analysis of the impact on jury verdicts with caps on attorney contingency fees and non-economic damages based upon the provisions in SB 281, amended SB 281 and HB 665. The data clearly showed that the caps included in the original legislation SB 281 would have had the most impact.
Senator David Goodman presented sponsor testimony indicating that one of the primary causes of emerging crisis in malpractice premiums is the "unrestrained escalation or potential escalation in jury awards that are part of a legal system that is simply out of control." Also providing testimony were an insurance representative, an attorney and representatives of the judicial council.
The House Civil and Commercial Law Committee did not take any additional action on HB 665 this week. The Committee is scheduled to convene again Monday, December 2nd at 10:30 a.m. The committee will discuss possible amendments and consider a possible vote at that time. No testimony will be heard on that date. The AMC/NOMA will continue to keep our members apprised on the medical liability legislation as the debate continues in the House.