Statement by Kenneth J. Printen, M.D.
President, Illinois State Medical Society
Re: State of the State Address
February 3, 2005
We are encouraged by Governor Blagojevich’s call for meaningful medical liability reform. We hope he will take a leadership role in forging an effective bill to repair our broken legal system and keep doctors in Illinois.
ISMS has proposed just such a reform package – including the key component of caps on non-economic damage awards as well as measures to limit non-meritorious lawsuits.
While we support sensible insurance reforms, forcing insurers to arbitrarily reduce premiums merely postpones the crisis and further destroys the insurance market. It will make matters worse --- not better.
In the same vein, we are very concerned that the Governor’s announced support for government-established doctors’ fees in the workers compensation program will further worsen the medical practice environment and force more doctors to leave the state.
Preserving patient access to medical care must be a priority in this legislative session. The Illinois State Medical Society supports meaningful reforms that will keep doctors in Illinois.
Twenty North Michigan Avenue, Suite 700 Chicago, Illinois 60602 Telephone: 312-782-1654 Toll Free: 800-782-ISMS Fax: 312-782-2028