Wisconsin Medical Malpractice

From Modern Physician

Wis. med mal task force appointed in wake of state's high court ruling

Speaker of the Wisconsin State Assembly Rep. John Gard (R-Peshtigo) has appointed a task force to study the state's medical malpractice laws and options for heading off any problems stemming from the state's Supreme Court's ruling last month declaring Wisconsin's caps on noneconomic damages unconstitutional. The panel will comprise five legislative members and five public members, including two lawyers, a physician and two healthcare executives.

"Wisconsin was a nationwide model for medical malpractice reform," Gard said in a press release. "That law made us a destination state for good doctors. We will work hard to regain that title."

Wisconsin Medical Society spokesman Steve Busalacchi said his organization's preference would be to bring back a cap that passes the court's constitutionality test. Until then, he said Wisconsin's medical community would be marked by uncertainty.

"It's too early to say what the effects of the court's ruling will be," he said. "But, right now, we have a lot of scared doctors who are concerned about what could happen."

He added that double-digit percentage increases in medical liability insurance premiums are expected in January.