November 19, 2007

Letters to the Editor
Belleville News-Democrat

To the Editor:

Thank you for pointing out that Illinoisans’ access to health care will be back on “life support” if our 2005 medical lawsuit reforms are overturned by the state’s high court.  If this should happen, it will be to everyone’s detriment, especially to those seeking medical care. Unfortunately, patients can’t expect lawyers to treat their infections, deliver their babies, or perform surgery!   

Prior to 2005, many doctors – especially in high-risk specialties like neurosurgery and obstetrics – were either leaving for other states or curtailing their practices.  Thanks to the legislature passing the “reasonable” medical lawsuit reforms, we are beginning to see signs of real improvement like new medical liability carriers entering the state and the flight of doctors slowing down.

The 2005 medical litigation reforms also included several components supported by trial attorneys such as adding members to the Illinois Medical Disciplinary Board and doubling the number of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) investigators for doctor complaints made by patients and other parties.  If the Illinois Supreme Court overturns the 2005 reforms, these improvements could go away as well.

Sincerely,

Rodney C. Osborn, M.D.
President
Illinois State Medical Society

Twenty North Michigan Avenue, Suite 700 Chicago, Illinois 60602 Web site: www.isms.org
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