Statement
By Kenneth J. Printen, M.D.
President, Illinois State Medical Society
Re: Proposed discussions on litigation and access to care crisis
September 9, 2004

Illinois doctors stand ready to negotiate meaningful litigation reform that will preserve access to health care for patients in this state. However, any negotiation must be a genuine effort to address the crisis, not a publicity stunt to give legislators political coverage during the campaign season.

Issues previously taken off the table 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 debate. Effective personal asset protection is also crucial to keeping physicians in Illinois communities. If these issues are seriously discussed and resolved, the General Assembly will be able to consider a truly effective proposal to solve the crisis.

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

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