Medical malpractice reform in Illinois is finally close to becoming a reality as HB 475 passed the Illinois House late Monday. A vote in the Senate is expected today, and then it’s on to Governor Blagojevich, who has been against caps on noneconomic damages in the past.
There is strong support throughout the state for real reform to stop the departure of physicians from the state (which means caps) and with “Blago’s” crashing poll numbers I think he’d virtually be insuring that he won’t be re-elected if he vetoes th bill. Of course, lawsuits are then expected by the plaintiffs bar to try to get the Illinois courts to overturn the legislation, so a long slog is still expected. The trial lawyers won’t take kindly to the gravy train coming to an end.
State lawmakers expect a vote for medical malpractice award caps either today or Tuesday.
The bill was anticipated to be called for a vote on Sunday. State Rep. Ron Stephens, R-Greenville, said the vote wasn’t made Sunday because it was not called.
If passed, the bill would cap judgments for noneconomic damages in medical malpractice lawsuits at $500,000 against doctors and $1 million against hospitals.
However, Stephens said he was confident that the bill would be called for a vote by the Tuesday deadline.
“Since Monday is Memorial Day (House Speaker Michael) Madigan may put it off until Tuesday,” Stephens said.
Stephens was confident that once a vote was called the bill would pass. “It’s the most important issue we’re addressing,” Stephens said.
State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Collinsville, also expected a vote before the Tuesday deadline. “I anticipate it will be called (today) or Tuesday, then go directly to the Senate for approval,” Hoffman said. “I strongly believe that this will be called in both chambers and passed and eventually signed by the governor.”
Sen. Dave Luechtefeld, R-Okawville, also expected the bill to pass in both the Senate in the House once it was called for a vote. “I don’t think they (Democrats) can afford not to call the vote,” Luechtefeld said. “This is something the people are demanding.”
The metro-east has seen a net loss of 136 physicians in the past two years, according to researchers at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Most physicians blame high costs of medical malpractice insurance.
Anything really stand out about this?
Speaking in Favor:
Rep. Dan Reitz (D-Steeleville)
Rep. Tom Holbrook (D-Belleville)
Rep. Dave Winters (R-Rockford)
Rep. Chapin Rose (R-Champaign)
Rep. Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro)
Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-Winfield)
Rep. Dan Beiser (D-Alton)
Rep. John Bradley (D-Marion)
Rep. Ruth Munson (R-Elgin)
Rep. Bob Pritchard (R-Sycamore)
Rep. Beth Coulson (R-Glenview)
Rep. Bill Black (R-Danville)
Rep. Bob Flider (D-Decatur)
Rep. Mike Boland (D-Moline)
Speaking Against:
Rep. John Fritchey (D-Chicago)
Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Matteson)
Rep. Jim Brosnahan (D-Oak Lawn)
Rep. David Miller (D-Dolton)
Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie)
Rep. William Davis (D-E Hazel Crest)
Rep. Mary Flowers (D-Chicago)
Rep. Ken Dunkin (D-Chicago)
Rep. George Scully (D-Chicago Hts)
Rep. Milton Patterson (D-Chicago)
Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago)
Rep. Frank Mautino (D-Spring Valley)
Rep. Marlow Colvin (D-Chicago)
Rep. Annazette Collins (D-Chicago)
Rep. Monique Davis (D-Chicago)
Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-Des Plaines)
Rep. Karen Yarbrough (D-Broadview)
Rep. Julie Hamos (D-Evanston)
Yes, that’s correct. Those speaking out against the bill in the House were all Democrats. Apparently political contributions from the plaintiffs lawyers are more important to them than quality health care for their constituents.
