Medical Malpractice Proposal Advances
The House of Representatives’ Civil Justice Committee advanced HB 827 by a 9-4 vote. The bill is intended to moderate medical malpractice costs and provide additional protections for hospitals.
One component of HB 827 would protect hospitals against liability for negligence arising from physicans who are independent contractors. Other aspects of the billl would aid in medical malpractice claims by taking steps such as raising the standards for expert witness testimony.
Supporters of the bill cite Florida’ s need to be able to attract high-quality physicians. Its opponents urge that it would make it harder for victims of medical malpractice to get relief.