U.S. Chamber Urges Lawmakers to Limit Health Care Lawsuits

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce today urged lawmakers to reform the current medical liability system to help control skyrocketing costs and ensure that health care services and coverage remain available.

"The medical malpractice system in this country needs intensive care," said Kate Sullivan, Chamber health care policy director. "The soaring cost of lawsuits is crippling the health care delivery system in communities across the country and hurting economic development and employers' ability to return to prosperity."

According to the Chamber, local communities cannot attract businesses to locate in their area if they lack high quality medical facilities nearby. Similarly, companies in affected areas will have difficulty recruiting managers and staff who are starting their families or who require special medical services.

"Reforming the medical tort system is a top priority for employers," emphasized Sullivan. "Medical malpractice run amok makes it much harder for business owners who are trying to contain costs and ensure the availability of health care services and coverage for their workers."

The Chamber has written to lawmakers, urging their support for the HEALTH Act (H.R. 4600), which takes significant steps to preserve patients' access to medical providers and curb skyrocketing health care costs by deterring the unnecessary ordering of diagnostic tests and medical services.

"The ill effects of this crisis cut across the health care sector," stated Sullivan. "As physicians exit their profession due to the scarcity and high cost of malpractice coverage, fewer patients will realize the benefits of life-saving and life-enhancing innovation. It's time for Congress to act."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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