Mt. Vernon Register-News

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February 7, 2010

Sen. Jones discusses malpractice ruling

Staff Report

MT. VERNON — State Sen. John O. Jones (R-Mt. Vernon) is expressing concerns over the recent medical malpractice ruling Feb. 4 by the Illinois State Supreme Court.

According to Jones and State Rep. David Reis (R-Ste. Marie), citizens are being alerted the consequences of the ruling could become “disastrous” for hospitals and health care providers.

“Doctors, hospital administrators and most importantly patients advocated for a change in the medical malpractice system. The legislature was able to bring that change to our constituents,” Jones said. “I fear that our rural health care system will be on the brink of extinction like it was in 2004.”

“Here we go again. This Illinois Supreme Court decision will have a disastrous outcome for our rural hospitals and health care providers,” Reis said. “This lone issue will once again jeopardize patients’ access to medicine and emergency care.”

Both Southern Illinois lawmakers worked with a bipartisan coalition of legislators to help enact Public Act 94-0677 on Aug. 25, 2005, according to a press release. Since the landmark legislation was signed, patients have benefited from having their providers practice in-state versus moving to neighboring states like Missouri, Kentucky and Indiana, where provider insurance costs are significantly lower.

“Rural hospitals like Clay County, Salem Township and Wabash General already have a tougher time staying open and maintaining staffs. All of our medical facilities suffer from our state’s deadbeat payment cycles,” Jones said. “How can our Southern Illinois medical community expect to survive if doctors are constantly worried about financial ruin because of run-away lawsuit verdicts and unaffordable insurance premiums?”

“Carmi and White County are currently trying to re-open their hospital that has been shuttered since 2005. This court decision will make it very hard for the hospital foundation to recruit physicians and specialists,” Reis said.

Reis and Jones also applauded Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Karmeier for the dissenting opinion in the case. Both legislators indicated that they would ask legislative staff and supporters of medical malpractice to examine the dissent for options and ideas that might be available to reform advocates.

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