AAJ continues to work for the rights of consumers and patients
Romanucci & Blandin would like to update you on the progress of health care reform and how it may effect you as a patient.
Medical malpractice reform was the subject of a dozen amendments last week during the Senate Health Education Labor and Pension (HELP) Committee Mark-up. The committee voted down the Hatch Amendment dealing with Comparative Effectiveness Research, but merely tabled the Enzi Amendment that could establish health courts. That means this could come back up at any time. Additionally, House Republicans have released an outline of their health bill that includes limits on medical malpractice. Following the 4th of July recess, the Senate Finance Committee will begin their mark-up process, and we are sure to face more amendments seeking to curb medical malpractice awards and restrict your clients’ access to the courts. The Public Affairs team is doing a tremendous job of staying on top of this issue and working to defeat these amendments.
AAJ is continuing to elevate the GM/Chrysler bankruptcy issue in the media. We have spearheaded the introduction of a bill that would require insurance coverage for auto dealers. It will be introduced this week by Representatives Andre Carson (D-IN), Bruce Braley (D-IA), Diana DeGette (D-CO), and John Conyers (D-MI). Additionally, Senators Reid and Durbin are sending a letter to the Treasury Department today. We will keep you abreast of developments.
Next week, the Senate Commerce Committee will begin consideration of the S. 588, the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act. Language to provide fair and equal remedies to victims of maritime disasters can be found in Section 6 of this legislation. It will serve to remedy the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) by applying DOHSA to maritime victims who die on the high seas due to a wrongful act or negligence, expanding the definition of non-pecuniary loss to include the decedent’s pre-death pain and suffering, and clarifying that the DOHSA statute does not apply to deaths occurring within the territorial waters of the United States. We will be working diligently to ensure Section 6 remains in this bill.
