National Emmergency Report Card Gives DC "F" Grade in Medical Liability Enviroment

THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA RECEIVES FAILING GRADE IN MEDICAL LIABILITY ENVIRONMENT IN FIRST-EVER 'REPORT CARD' ON STATE OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Washington, DC, January 10, 2006 — The District of Columbia received low marks in the medical liability environment in a report released today by an objective panel of emergency medical experts. DC’s emergency medical care system received an overall grade of “B” and was ranked 4th in the nation for its ability to provide emergency care.  However, when broken down into categories DC received an “F” grade in the Medical Liability Environment category.

A task force of experts assembled by the American College of Emergency Physicians used a range of available data to develop 50 measures for grading each state on a scale of A through F for its support in four areas: Access to Emergency Care, Quality and Patient Safety, Public Health and Injury Prevention, and Medical Liability Environment.  Four states led the nation, earning “A” grades in the Medical Liability Environment category — California, Montana, Nevada, and Texas – all of which have caps on non-economic damages ranging from $250,000 to $350,000. The District of Columbia  and eleven other states have received failing grades for their medical liability environments. The study states that this category assessed increases in state medical liability rates as well as reform initiatives. Problems with a state’s medical liability climate can lead to physician shortages, delays in patient care and increased patient transfers.

 “This report clearly demonstrates that the medical liability environment in our nation’s capital is toxic and falls well behind the rest of the country.” said Damian P. Alagia, MD, President of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia.

The Report Card provides local, state and federal officials with information to identify their states’ strengths and areas for improvement, while allowing them to make comparisons and learn from other states. The task force analyzed data from sources including the American Medical Association, the American Nurses Association, the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, among others. A task force of emergency physicians applied the grades by considering 50 measurements that were common to all states. A “curved” grading system was used – applying grades by comparing each state with the highest ranked state in each category.

ACEP officials say they will continue to measure state efforts and improvements in emergency care over time, using this report as an initial benchmark.