Feb. 14, 2019
HARRISBURG – House Majority Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) issued the following statement after Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Thomas Saylor told House leadership the court would hold off on changing venue rules regarding medical malpractice cases until a further review of the rule’s impact could be completed.
“I want to thank Chief Justice Saylor, and the rest of the court, for making the right decision to see the extended impact of venue shopping on our state’s health care system. I was working in a hospital in the early 2000s when lawyers could maneuver malpractice cases to Philadelphia courts, all but guaranteeing vastly higher payouts and at much higher volumes than the rest of the Commonwealth. As a result, premiums for medical malpractice insurance skyrocketed for all doctors, regardless of whether they practiced in Philadelphia or not. The out-of-control insurance costs led to a crisis, causing doctors of all specialties to make hard decisions about whether to stay in our state or close their practices. The impact was especially hard on rural communities like parts of the 100th district.
“There is no need to return to those days. Today, doctors can operate confidently and fairly, serving the communities that rely on them, and victims of medical malpractice can still file suit in the county where the alleged wrongdoing occurred.
“I want to applaud the work done by our caucus, the House Republican Policy Committee, and our Senate colleagues to draw attention to this important issue and assure all Pennsylvanians we remain committed to saving our health care.”
Representative Bryan Cutler
100th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Mike Straub
717-260-6397
mstraub@pahousegop.com
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