Medical review panel legislation moves to the full House for first time

Legislation seeking to address the heightened costs directly attributed to Kentucky’s uncontrolled legal liability climate, an issue of serious concern for Kentucky employers and taxpayers who foot bill in terms of direct employee benefit costs and higher taxes, moved forward Tuesday evening.

The House Health and Human Services Committee voted Wednesday to pass Senate Bill 4, a bill establishing Medical Review Panels, Tuesday evening with a 9-2 vote with one pass vote.

Senate Bill 4 sponsor, Sen. Ralph Alvarado, said medical review panels add a layer of accountability to the process and does not block access to the courts for anyone. The Kentucky doctor also said the state is having a hard time recruiting talented physicians because of the legal liability climate.

Kentucky Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Dave Adkisson stressed the importance of the issue to the business community, noting that Kentucky is at a disadvantage to neighboring states who have passed legal liability measures.

“This is not just a legal issue, it’s a jobs issue,” Adkisson said.

Senate Bill 4 now heads to the full House for a vote on the floor.

Learn more about medical review panels here.