Press Republican: Letter to the Editor

By: William Latrielle, M.D.

The New York state Legislature has passed legislation (A6698/S6636) that would dramatically expand financial awards in wrongful death lawsuits. This bill is nearly the same as one that was vetoed by Gov. Kathy Hochul last January.

Hochul noted in her veto that the medical liability bill “would increase already high insurance burdens on families and small businesses and further strain already-distressed healthcare workers and institutions,” and that it would be “particularly challenging for struggling hospitals in underserved communities.” The new legislation is no different.

We have great sympathy for the grieving families this legislation seeks to help. However, any legislation to expand costly lawsuits must be balanced to prevent the disastrous impact of this bill on our healthcare system. If this bill is signed into law, it will make it even more difficult for our struggling community hospitals and medical practices to provide essential patient care.

This new bill could increase insurance costs by 40% or more.

A cost increase of this size is far more than what many doctors’ offices can afford. It will result in some pediatricians, radiologists and primary care providers leaving their practices and moving to states with a less hostile liability environment. Clinton County faces a physician shortage, especially among primary care doctors.

Clinton County can’t afford to watch hospitals and medical practices shut down because they can’t pay for a sudden, drastic hike in insurance. Before enacting any new and expansive liability statutes, lawmakers must review the civil justice system and install safeguards to protect medical professionals from catastrophic costs.

Our regional healthcare system is already under significant stress without absorbing the extraordinary costs this bill would require.

The governor must also veto this new version of the medical liability bill.

WILLIAM LATREILLE, M.D.

Medical Society of the State of New York Past President Franklin County Medical Society Malone