A medical liability crisis is moving across the country. Physicians in 20 crisis states can’t afford the increasing cost of malpractice coverage or can’t buy it at any price. This leaves patients without access to the care they need.
The MMA supports caps of $250,000 on non-economic damages to prevent this crisis from spreading to Minnesota.
Physicians in crisis states are retiring early, not performing high-risk surgeries, not delivering babies, or leaving the state. Many states have held special sessions specifically to address professional liability costs.
Fortunately, Minnesota is not one of the 20 states in crisis, but there are already problems in emergency medicine and obstetric care.
The MMA supports $250,000 caps on non-economic damages, which cover pain and suffering, mental anguish and physical impairment. The limit would not apply to medical costs or lost income.