Medical review panels bill heads to the governor’s desk after final passage

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Senate Bill 4 sponsor Sen. Ralph Alvarado speaking on the bill

On Friday, medical review panel legislation saw final passage and heads to the governor’s desk after the Kentucky state Senate concurred with the final version of Senate Bill 4.

The medical review panels seek to address the escalating costs directly attributed to Kentucky’s uncontrolled medical 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.

Senate Bill 4, sponsored by Sen. Ralph Alvarado, would put a panel of three doctors—one picked by each side of the case and a third chosen by the other two doctors—to examine the evidence of the case and give an expert review before the case goes to court.

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.

Learn more about medical review panels here.

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Jacqueline Pitts
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