8 Recent Legislative Developments Affecting Physicians

The following legislative developments affecting physicians were reported within the last 30 days, beginning with the most recent.

 1. Penalties for Medicaid Fraud Enhanced in Kansas
The Kansas Senate and House of Representatives passed Kansas Senate Bill 271, which increases the criminal penalties for defrauding the Medicaid program.

2. New Law Changes Physician Licensing Rules in Wisconsin
A new Wisconsin law changes the physician licensing rules within the state and creates new licensure options.

3. Kansas Lawmakers Vote to Increase Medical Malpractice Damages Cap
A Kansas Senate bill that aims to gradually increase the limit on damages that can be awarded for pain and suffering in medical malpractice cases cleared both the Kansas House and Senate and is awaiting signature from Gov. Sam Brownback (R).

4. Vermont Will Introduce False Claims Legislation to Curb Medicaid Fraud
At the suggestion of the Vermont Attorney General's Office, several state senators will introduce false claims legislation targeting fraud in the state's healthcare system.

5. Pennsylvania Bill Would Raise Evidence Standard in Cases Against ED Physicians
Pennsylvania House Bill 804 would raise the standard of evidence from simple negligence to gross negligence in medical liability actions involving emergency care.

6. Wisconsin Senate Passes Bill Making Medical Apologies Inadmissible
A Wisconsin bill making physician apologies, condolences and expressions of sympathy toward patients regarding the healthcare provider's actions inadmissible in civil proceedings and administrative hearings was passed by the state Senate.

7. Florida Bill Would Require Independent Physician Review of Medical Malpractice Cases
A Florida House bill would change how cases involving allegations of death and injury from medical malpractice would be handled.

8. Pennsylvania Bill Requires Patients to be Notified of Their Admission Status
A bill that would require hospitals to inform patients if they will be formally admitted or classified as observational status after they have been moved from the emergency department was approved by a Pennsylvania House committee.

More Articles on Healthcare Legislation and Lawsuits:

Will Physician Payment Sunshine Act Data Usher In A New Era Of FCA Litigation?
Dr. Tariq Mahmood's Trial Date Set
Recent Trends & Developments Under the False Claims Act: Considerations for Avoiding Litigation