Medical malpractice bill update - Action needed
30 March 2011
Updated 31 March 2011
Click here to see frequently asked questions on Gov. Bob McDonnell's decision to veto the medical malpractice cap bills.
Dear Colleague,
Late yesterday Gov. Bob McDonnell vetoed the medical malpractice cap bills (HB 1459 and SB 771).
After years of working with the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association to arrive at an agreement on cap legislation that ensures fairness for patients and a stable liability environment in Virginia, the Medical Society of Virginia was very pleased when both the House and Senate showed their support by passing the bills with overwhelmingly favorable votes.
I am very disappointed, however, in the governor’s decision to veto. The original bills represent the commitment of all three organizations to a good-faith agreement that serves both patients and physicians. Equally important, the legislation supports the governor’s desire for a “commonwealth of opportunity” by helping attract physicians and businesses to Virginia.
We are strongly encouraging legislators who voted for the bills to again demonstrate their support by voting to override the governor’s veto.
I want to personally thank each of you who has already contacted your legislators or the governor about this issue. Our work is not complete though, and I urge you to take this opportunity to reach out to your legislators and ask them to vote in favor of these bills during the April 6 General Assembly session.
Please
click here to send your message.
Regards,
Cynthia C. Romero, M.D., FAAFP
MSV President
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