Statement
By Kenneth J. Printen, M.D.
President, Illinois State Medical Society
Re: Renewed Negotiations on Medical Litigation Reform
September 16, 2004

ISMS looks forward to any and all discussions that will pose meaningful solutions to the medical litigation and health care access crisis affecting this state. We hope these renewed negotiations are a genuine effort to address the worsening situation, not a publicity stunt to give legislators political coverage during the campaign season. We look forward to working with Judge Donald O’Connell to find real solutions.

Important issues arbitrarily taken off the table previously by the plaintiffs’ bar -- caps on non-economic damages, allowing structured payments for damage awards and informing juries of any tax consequences to damage awards -- must be brought back for discussion by all parties if these negotiations are to be fruitful. Personal asset protection for physicians must also be addressed during these talks. If these issues are seriously addressed and resolved, the General Assembly will be able to consider a truly effective proposal to solve the crisis.

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www.isms.org

Dr. Printen is a board certified general surgeon practicing in Evanston, Illinois.

The Illinois State Medical Society is a professional membership association representing about 14,000 physicians practicing in all specialties statewide.

Twenty North Michigan Avenue, Suite 700 Chicago, Illinois 60602 Telephone: 312-782-1654 Toll Free: 800-782-ISMS Fax: 312-782-2028