FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 3, 2004

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Suzanne Nelson (312) 580-2443
Cell: (847) 302-7920

Statement of Kenneth J. Printen, M.D.
President, Illinois State Medical Society
Re HB 4847

Chicago, IL – The Illinois State Medical Society, on behalf of our 14,000 members statewide, is pleased that the Illinois Senate has passed HB 4847, legislation offering a balanced approach to solving Illinois’ medical litigation crisis. The bill now moves to the Illinois House for consideration.

We are especially appreciative of the leadership of Senators William Haine (D-Alton) and James Clayborne, Jr. (D-Belleville) in fashioning this measure and moving it forward. Without their courageous leadership there would have been no progress in the Illinois Senate. Despite intense political pressure from local plaintiff attorneys who are attempting to scuttle any meaningful reform, these Senators responded to the needs of their communities.

We are confident that Senators Haine and Clayborne will continue to work with Senate Republican Leader Frank Watson (Greenville) and Senator David Luechtefeld (R-Okawville) to accomplish a bipartisan solution to the worsening litigation environment, which is so drastically affecting patient access to care in the Metro East area. We applaud all these lawmakers for their efforts to date and look forward to their continued advocacy on behalf of the doctors and patients of Illinois.

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