Some physicians in Nevada are concerned proposed legislation to significantly increase the limit on damages a plaintiff can recover in malpractice suits would exacerbate the state's physician shortage if it became law, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported May 9.
The bill would raise the limit on noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering a plaintiff can recover, from the current limit of $350,000 to $2.5 million. Additionally, it would lengthen the statute of limitations and apply it retroactively.
Physicians are worried if the bill becomes law, malpractice insurance rates would skyrocket. Two decades ago, when the rates increased dramatically, voters approved a cap on noneconomic damages.
"I can only imagine that premiums would skyrocket again from what they are currently, making it unfeasible for a small practice like mine to really be able to afford coverage," Howard Baron, MD, a pediatric specialist in Las Vegas, told the newspaper.
Supporters of the legislation do not believe it would have such an effect, as Nevada already ranks low for the number of physicians per capita. It ranks 45th nationwide in active physicians, according to the report.