The legislation was introduced as an “enticement” to gain the support of the medical community for proposed cuts to the state’s Medicaid program, according to the report.
Under the new legislation, out-of-state physicians offering expert testimony in medical malpractice cases will need to apply for a certificate to testify and may be disciplined if they are found to have offered deceptive testimony, according to a Miami Herald report.
The bill originally included language that would shield hospitals from liability for injuries caused by contracted healthcare providers unless the hospital has actual control over the conduct that caused the injury, but the Senate struck that language from the final legislation, according to the report.
The Florida Senate and House also plan further efforts to curb medical malpractice costs. Both group’s Medicaid reform legislation include limits on pain and suffering damages and liability that are less than the state’s current non-economic caps of $500,000 for physicians and $750,000 for hospitals.
Related articles on medical malpractice:
Mich. Governor Approves Legislation Protecting Physicians for Expressing Sympathy
House Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Medical Liability Reform
