Congress to consider health court legislation
Patient Safety Monitor Alert
May 30, 2007
Both chambers of Congress have been sent an identical bill that would create pilot programs for health courts. The bill has been backed by both Republicans and Democrats, and has consumer, accrediatior, and physician organizational support, according to consumer group Common Good.
The bill would allow states to implement pilot health courts. These courts would be staffed with judges that have experience in health law, and would be designed to offer expedient resolution with reasonable awards for winning claims.
The bill enjoys support from a wide variety of healthcare-related parties, including:
- American Academy of Family Physicians
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
- American Osteopathic Association
- Consumers Advancing Patient Safety
- The Joint Commission
- National Committee for Quality Assurance
- Progressive Policy Institute
