Democratic leaders thumb nose at
medical malpractice reforms      

[MARCH 19, 2005]  SPRINGFIELD -- State Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, says Senate Democratic leaders thumbed their noses at Illinois citizens March 17, reneging on a promise to allow a vote on meaningful medical malpractice reform legislation aimed at keeping doctors in Illinois.

Despite strong opposition by members of the Senate Republican Caucus, the Senate Democratic leadership moved Senate Bill 150 from the Judiciary Committee, which was expected to vote on the bill March 17, to the highly political Executive Committee.

"This is just another indication that the Democrat leaders are pandering to special interests at the expense of health care for the people of Illinois," Brady said.

Senate Bill 150 outlines a comprehensive solution to the medical malpractice crisis. Key provisions of the legislation would:

• Reduce unwarranted lawsuits.
• Cap noneconomic damages while preserving unlimited economic damages.
• Enact insurance reforms.
• Enhance medical discipline.
• Allow annuity payments for awards.
• Protect doctors' personal assets.
• Limit the liability of hospitals in cases where the individual responsible for malpractice is not an employee of the hospital.

Brady says the General Assembly failed to pass meaningful medical malpractice reform last year, despite the best efforts of the Senate Republican Caucus to put together a balanced package of legal reforms, medical reforms and insurance reforms.

[News release from Sen. Bill Brady]