MSSNY Speaks Out on Wrongful Death Legislation
MSSNY leadership continues to voice concern and opposition to the wrongful death bill (A.6698/S.6636). Over the past week MSSNY HOD Speaker Dr. William Latreille had his letter to the editor published in the Press Republican (8/30) and Erie County Medical Society President Dr. John Fudyma’s op-ed ran in the Buffalo News (9/1).
Dr. Latreille’s letter highlighted the impact this potential legislation would have on the regional healthcare system, stating:
Clinton County can’t afford to watch hospitals and medical practices shut down because they can’t pay for a sudden, drastic hike in insurance. Before enacting any new and expansive liability statutes, lawmakers must review the civil justice system and install safeguards to protect medical professionals from catastrophic costs.
Dr. Fudyma acknowledged the need to update the current law without worsening New York State’s reputation as being one of the worst states for doctors. He asked that the Legislature take the same approach as other states, which have enacted such laws but also included caps on damages to prevent harm to health care delivery and systems.
