Medical liability could be part of 'Cover Tennessee' debate

By Ken Whitehouse, NashvillePost.com
May 10, 2006

State Sen. Mark Norris (R-Collierville) told NashvillePost.com this morning that medical liability legislation could be put forward as the Senate looks at Gov. Bredesen's "Cover Tennessee" health care proposals.

"It's all about maintaining access to affordable health care," Norris said. "The Governor is approaching the problem through the insurance angle, and I think it's a good time to look at the health care providers as well."

When asked if the focus of medical liability legislation would be on capping lawsuits, Norris said that his focus was on the pre-certification of lawsuits, but he would let the chips fall where they may on caps.

Citing the recent compromise worked out by the Tennessee Road Builders Association and the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association in silica-related lawsuits, Norris said that he hoped all groups involved in tort matters could continue to work together. 

Asked about the prospects of Cover Tennessee getting out of the State Senate, Norris said that he had a higher level of comfort with the bill due to the administration's willingness to answer questions and make changes in regard to s-chips, the high risk insurance pool, and programs for diabetics. 

Yesterday, language was removed from the bill that would have created two "diabetic malls" that would have been treatment centers from those suffering from the disease. State Finance and Administration Commissioner Dave Goetz told reporters today that the administration was exploring other ways to assist diabetics outside of the legislative process, possibly through the creation of a not-for-profit entity.

Overall, Norris said that progress was being made on the legislation and praised the Governor for providing more detailed information as of late.