FEDERAL | ASPS to Congress: Support Medical Liability Reform
Following the 2018 Advocacy Summit, ASPS began ramping up its support of the bipartisan Saving Lives, Saving Costs Act, which would reduce medical malpractice and insurance fraud by using evidence-based guidelines developed by physicians. Specifically, the bill would establish a framework for healthcare liability lawsuits to undergo review by independent medical review panels if healthcare professionals (i.e., practicing physicians or their agents or employees), providers, or organizations allege adherence to clinical practice guidelines. The bill currently sits in the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Judiciary Committee.
Through discussions with the bill's lead Republican sponsor, Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY-6), ASPS learned of Barr's commitment to make a more concerted effort to increase bipartisan support for the measure. In response, ASPS contacted members of Congress, including each of the bill's existing sponsors, as well as nine potential cosponsors from the House Democratic Caucus. Through this advocacy, ASPS hopes to build momentum surrounding the Saving Lives, Saving Costs Act in order to improve its chances of advancing prior to the end of the 115th Congress.
ASPS prioritizes medical liability reform at the federal level, and the Society remains committed to advancing measures that establish baseline standards among all 50 states that alleviate the effects of defensive medicine.