Bill would place cap on noneconomic damages, protect physicians and pharmacists

Patients covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and health plans subsidized under the Affordable Care Act will face an uphill battle in medical malpractice lawsuits if a bill drafted by House Republicans passes. The bill, which is part of Republicans plan to replace the Affordable Care Act, places a $250,000 noneconomic damages cap on lawsuits. It also protects physicians who prescribe a drug or medical device approved, licensed, or cleared by the FDA from being named in a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer or seller of the product. The bill provides similar protection for pharmacists who fill prescriptions. According to White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, the bill would help reduce healthcare costs by limiting “frivolous lawsuits.” The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that the bill would reduce federal budget deficits by almost $50 billion over 10 years.

Source: The New York Times