Georgia Lawmakers Pass Liability Reform

Source: AHA News Now (www.ahanews.com)
Date: February 15, 2005

The Georgia legislature yesterday passed tort reform that limits non-economic damages in medical liability cases to $350,000 per health care provider or facility, and raises the liability standard in cases involving hospital emergency care to require clear and convincing evidence the providers actions showed gross negligence. Among other provisions, Senate Bill 3 also limits judgments against a defendant to their relative share of damages, and allows health care providers to offer statements of apology and sympathy without it being used against them in court. "This is a great day not only for the entire Georgia medical community, but for the citizens of Georgia," said Joseph Parker, president of the Georgia Hospital Association, which advocated for the legislation. "This bill will reign in skyrocketing medical liability insurance premiums for health care providers and most important, strengthen access to vital health care services for every Georgia resident."

Reprinted with permission from the American Hospital Association