TRIAL BAR LAUNCHING ATTACK ON PHYSICIANS AND PATIENTS

(Your Doctor received this information in an email today and thought you might be interested, too -- mab)

by Michael Rosenberg, MD
President, MSSNY

Despite the fact that the New York State fiscal situation is at the breaking point and that health care resources are slated for dramatic cuts, the trial lawyers are making another attempt to jam even more money in their pockets through legislation (S.1729, Schneiderman) to eliminate the statute of limitations for medical liability actions.
A bill being considered by the Senate Codes Committee tomorrow (Tuesday, February 10) could, if enacted, increase medical liability premiums by as much as 20% or more. The bill would eliminate the statute of limitations for the filing of medical liability claims by making the statute a “date of discovery” rule, no matter how long ago the alleged event occurred. Even worse, it reopens previously barred actions. This bill would have a devastating impact on patient access to the health care system.
It is critical that all physicians call and write their Senators to express their opposition to this catastrophic bill. Particular focus should be made on those members who are on the Senate Codes Committee.

The members of the Senate Codes Committee are:
Eric Schneiderman, Chair (D-Manhattan)
518-455-2041
212-928-5578
Neil Breslin (D-Albany County)
518-455-2225
Tom Duane (D-Manhattan)
518-455-2451
212-633-8052
Kevin Parker (D-Brooklyn)
518-455-2580
718-629-6401
Shirley Huntley (D-Queens)
518-455-3531
718-322-2537
John Sampson (D-Brooklyn)
518-455-2788
718-649-7653
Jeff Klein (D-Bronx)
518-455-3595
718-822-2049
Bill Perkins (D-Manhattan)
518-455-2441
212-222-7315
Dan Squadron (D-Manhattan)
518-455-2525
212-298-5565
Dale Volker (R-Erie County)
518-455-3471
716-656-8544
Steve Saland (R-Dutchess County)
518-455-2411
845-463-0840
John DeFrancisco (R-Onondaga County)
518-455-3511
315-428-7632
John Bonacic (R-Orange, Ulster Counties)
518-455-3181
845-344-3311
Martin Golden (R-Brooklyn)
518-455-2730
718-238-6044
Andrew Lanza (R-Staten Island)
518-455-3215
718-984-4073
John Flanagan (R-Suffolk County)
518-455-2071
631-361-2154
Call immediately AND send an e-mail to your NYS Senator by clicking here. Please do this IMMEDIATELY. Your voice counts and they need to hear from you today.