Played Key Role in Introduction of Mayor's Liabiltiy Reform Bill
In June 2004, over a year of concentrated advocacy by the Medical Society paid off: DC Mayor Anthony Williams transmitted the Health Care Liability Reform Act of 2004 to DC Council Chair Linda Cropp for formal introduction at the Council's next meeting.
The bill is designed to change how health care liability cases are addressed and much more. The provisions in the bill mirror reforms made in California in the 1970s as part of the Medical Insurance Compensation Reform Act, or MICRA. These reforms, especially a $250,000 cap on non-economic damages, are the only measures that have been shown to effectively put the brakes on escalating medical liability insurance premium rates.
Introduction of this legislation was a pivotal and important development, but by no means the last step toward enactment of long-awaited and desperately needed medical liability reform in the District of Columbia.
As a result, medical liability reform efforts took center stage in 2004:
Formed Medical Liability Reform Task Force
MSDC formed a Medical Liability Reform Task Force to develop short- and long-term strategies for securing medical liability reform in the District. Meeting frequently to review the efficacy of medical liability reform activities, the task force will make sure efforts stay on track.
Surveyed Ob/Gyns to Determine Impact of Liability Crisis
Although physicians of all specialties have been hit by the impact of high liability insurance premiums, the results of a survey conducted in the spring of 2004 by the Medical Society illustrated the extent to which ob/gyns are being forced to make difficult choices. The survey showed that ob/gyns are cutting back on services, laying off employees, retiring earlier than planned, and moving their practices out of the District altogether.
Met with Councilmembers to Encourage Support for the Bill
MSDC leaders met with individual DC councilmembers to underscore the need for multi-faceted liability reform. These preliminary meetings allowed the Medical Society to lay the groundwork for a positive working relationship with the Council on this important issue.
Mobilized Members to Participate in Liability Reform Effort
MSDC staff and leadership cannot achieve this victory alone. The voice of every MSDC member must be heard. Toward that end, MSDC mobilized members, encouraging them to contact members of the DC Council to urge their support for the legislation.
Spoke Out to the Media on the Urgent Need for Reform
The Medical Society took full advantage of the intense media reporting that followed the introduction of the Mayor's bill. From USA Today to the NBC (WRC-TV) evening news, media reports on medical liability reform fueled discussion of the bill and the need for medical liability reform in the District.
Worked with Stakeholders on a Coordinated Approach to the Challenge
The Medical Society worked closely with allies in the fight for liability reform, including the DC Hospital Association, the Board of Trade, and the Tort Reform Institute. Information and strategies were shared to strengthen reform activities. MSDC also rejoined the DC Chamber of Commerce, a potential ally in the fight.
Developed Speakers Bureau to Spread the News and Encourage Support
MSDC provides speakers on the subject of medical liability reform to specialty societies, hospital medical staffs, and other groups and organizations. As part of this program, the Medical Society reached out to many organizations in 2004, including the DC Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
And...Coming in 2005...Liability Reform Action Kit
MSDC is in this fight for the long haul. Next year, an Action Kit on Liability Reform will be unveiled to help physicians understand and communicate the need for liability reform in the District to their legislative leaders, to their colleagues, and to their patients.
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