Physicians Again Call on Governor Hochul to Veto Latest Wrongful Death Liability Expansion Bill
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Physicians are again urged to contact Governor Hochul to request she again veto the latest version of legislation (A.9232-B/S.8485-B) to significantly expand liability against physicians and hospitals in wrongful death lawsuits. Physicians must continue their multi-pronged advocacy efforts to urge that she veto this latest version as well. Physicians should call Governor Hochul’s office at 518-474-8390 and write and tweet the Governor about Reducing Medical Liability Costs (p2a.co).
As noted in this week’s Pulse, MSSNY President Dr. Jerome Cohen’s op-ed urging Governor Hochul to veto this legislation appeared in numerous papers across the state this week. NY lawmakers must collaborate on health care safety net (lohud.com)
The new version differs slightly from the earlier vetoed versions by reducing the retroactive applicability as well as the categories of individuals who can bring these actions. However, it does not substantively change the fundamental nature of the new types of damages that would be awardable through this legislation, which essentially was the basis for the conclusion that this bill could produce a 40% increase in medical liability premiums in a 2022 actuarial study.
MSSNY has joined with 17 specialty societies in a statement to the Governor urging comprehensive liability reform instead of one-sided proposals such as this that would exacerbate already challenging patient access to care issues we face.
Importantly, Governor Hochul has twice vetoed legislation that would have expanded the types of damages awardable in wrongful death actions. Her veto messages have appropriately highlighted the “significant unintended consequences” of this proposal, including the impact to our community healthcare infrastructure because of the likely huge increase in liability costs it would face through these expanded liability awards.
Some are trying to manipulate the public messaging surrounding this legislation that it is substantively different from earlier vetoed versions. The substantive adverse impact is the same! Therefore, please continue to call, write and tweet Governor Hochul to veto this latest legislation and work for the enactment of comprehensive legislation that balances the needs of grieving families with preserving patient access to their community healthcare safety net. Please make sure your colleagues and community are aware as well of the adverse patient care consequences of this legislation.
