Medical liability insurance issues emerged with a vengeance from a period of relative slumber in 2001. Physicians began to see liability insurance premiums skyrocket. Many were forced to abandon certain services (frequently obstetrics), their independent practices and--in some cases--their states. In response, state and federal policy makers examined a number of legislative remedies to address the crisis: some old--such as screening panels, award caps and premium controls; some new--such as health courts. With their provision of a broad spectrum of services, unique situation as a family's medical home and first-hand knowledge of the crisis' effects, family physicians' input in the formulation and debate over medical liability is crucial.
Physicians in certain states saw results from their efforts. In 2005, 36 bills were filed in 13 states to address the medical liability issue. The resources listed below are provided to help family physicians and chapter staff inform themselves and policymakers on this critical health policy issue.
Medical Liability
Providing Charity Care: A Primer on Liability Risk
-- (Family Practice Management: January 2003)
Understanding the Physician Liability Insurance Crisis
-- (Family Practice Management: October 2002)
Medical Liability Reform
-- (DHHS/CMS: April 28, 2005)
Links to external Web sites are provided as a courtesy. They are neither a guarantee nor an endorsement by the AAFP of the products or services offered on other Web sites.
Issues
