Senate Passes Historic Healthcare Reform Legislation
Check out the ridiculous press release by the Trial Lawyers Association – pretty easy to figure out what they truly care about!!!
SENATE PASSES HISTORIC HEALTHCARE REFORM LEGISLATION!
American Association for Justice www.justice.org
Happy holidays to all. Today the Senate made history by voting 60-39 to pass President Obama’s number one legislative priority, comprehensive healthcare reform legislation. The road was long and arduous, and the process was at times grueling and uncertain. However, the resulting bill will provide relief to millions of struggling Americans. I invite you to read Politico’s coverage of the vote and draw your own conclusions based on your personal ideologies on the overall legislation.
I am pleased to report that this bill is clear of any provisions that would limit an injured patient’s rights concerning medical negligence claims. This is a stunning victory for your clients considering great pressure from the insurance industry and other interests to include medical malpractice tort “reform” in this bill. While there is a provision for demonstration projects, it provides an absolute opt-out clause for plaintiffs at any time. While some states may embark on demonstration programs we find objectionable, the opt-out provision for plaintiffs minimizes this concern.
Ensuring victims’ rights were intact was no small task. The AAJ Public Affairs team, with enormous help from the AAJ Protecting Patients Taskforce, and in coordination with victims’ rights groups, worked tirelessly to monitor all aspects of the bill’s consideration from the committee hearing process through floor debate and the amendment process—in both the House and Senate. Anyone following the debate knows the hours were hectic, day and night, but our Public Affairs team was not alone in their efforts. Many of you stepped up by joining the Protect Patients Taskforce, contributing financially to our campaign fund, and by generating thousands of messages to Senate members. Because of you all, we were able to hold a first of its kind lobby day hosting patients and AAJ Members, including MD/RN member attorneys. You also enabled our Union Station Ads, and a continued presence with inside-the-beltway publications such as Politico and Roll Call.
As we all breathe a sigh of relief for our clients, and for patients everywhere, remember that the House and Senate must hold a conference on the two versions of the healthcare reform bill. This process could allow medical malpractice tort reform to once again enter the dialogue at a critical time. If this happens, we will keep you informed throughout the process. If you have not already done so, join the Protect Patients Listserve by emailing protectpatients@justice.org for up to the minute information.
I would like to take a moment to address the many members of the State TLA’s who will be receiving this message via listserve. I feel this is an important opportunity to invite you to join our legislative advocacy efforts at the federal level. As evidenced by the success of this major campaign, our advocacy efforts affect every practice. Now is the time to join AAJ and make a difference in the future of your practice.
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