NAPH Expresses Support for Medical Liability Legislation - June 7, 2011

NAPH recently sent a letter to Congressman Phil Gingrey (R-Ga.) in support of his proposed medical malpractice liability legislation, H.R. 5, the HEALTH Act of 2011. The Act, among other things, proposes to set caps on non-economic and punitive damages and reduce liability for providers using FDA-approved devices or pharmaceuticals when used properly. The NAPH letter acknowledges that many public hospitals are immune from medical liability, but that many other members would benefit from the legislation. The letter also encouraged Rep. Gingrey to consider introducing legislation in the future that adds protections for public hospital entities under the Federal Tort Claims Act.