The United States House of Representatives passed a bill on March 13, 2003 to limit jury awards in medical malpractice cases, H. R. 5:
· Cap noneconomic damages at $250,000, but would not limit compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, and other economic damages.
· Limit punitive damages to twice the amount of economic damages awarded or $250,000, whichever is greater. * Allowing patients to recover for economic damages, such as future medical expenses and loss of future earnings, while establishing a cap on non-economic damages (e.g., pain and suffering) of $250,000.
· Allocate damages in proportion to a party's degree of fault.
· Limits the number of years a plaintiff has to file a claim.
It is believed, the bill will receive more resistance in the United States Senate. It is also believed that if H. R. 5 passes, Ohio may need to repeal certain provisions contained in Ohio’s Senate Bill 281, which is to be effective in April, such as the cap on noneconomic damages, in order for the federal provisions to take effect.