US medical liability reform back in the limelight, with bill possible this week

A US House Judiciary Committee, which held its first hearing, titled, "Medical Liability Reform - Cutting Costs, Spurring Investment, Creating Job," last Thursday, is focussing on ways to eliminate “frivolous” law suits against medical personnel. Chairman Lamar Smith (Republican, Texas) said he would introduce a reform bill as early as this week that would save “tens of billions every year.” Beyond that, Mr Smith said his committee would also hold hearings to tackle broader questions about the law’s constitutionality.

The Judiciary Committee is set to produce and introduce legislation that will add toward the sum total of replacing the Democrat's health care legislation, said Mr Smith on Thursday, noting: “We are waiting now, frankly, for a couple more endorsements for that bill. But as soon we get those, we could introduce the bill as soon as next week.”

System irrational and needs reforms, says AMA