Pa. Hospitals React to Medical Liability Proposals

The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) has responded positively to Governor Ed Rendell’s recently announced medical liability reform proposals (See IJ Web site Mar.25).

“We are pleased that Governor Rendell recognizes the need to take additional steps to assure patient access to care in these volatile times,” stated HAP president and CEO Carolyn F. Scanlan. She noted that at his news conference the Governor had recognized that young, talented medical students are not coming to Pennsylvania; nor are they remaining following their training in the state’s medical schools.

“We appreciate the Governor’s recognition that recently enacted reforms will take more time to impact the liability insurance market,” Scanlan continued, in response to the Governor’s call to expand the Mcare abatement through 2007. “We need to reassure physicians that Pennsylvania is a place that welcomes them.”

She also said HAP supported ” the Governor’s interest in promoting a broad-based mediation program, and look forward to working with the administration on developing the details of such a program.”

“Overall,” Scanlan continued, “we are optimistic that the administration is committed to pursuing additional initiatives that will contribute to the stabilization of the liability insurance market and protect our citizens’ access to affordable, accessible, high-quality health care.”