N.J. Senate Takes Up Med-Mal Fund Today

The New Jersey Senate is scheduled to vote on medical malpractice legislation that would create a $90 million fund to help physicians cover their insurance costs today.

The proposal also places a tax on health care providers and a new licensing fee on doctors and lawyers.

It does not place any limits on malpractice awards but does tighten lawsuit filing rules and gives the state insurance department more leeway in curtailing insurance rate increases. The Medical Society of New Jersey had backed limits on awards but is also supporting this measure without such a cap.

The bill has already passed the House. Gov. James McGreevey is expected to sign the measure if it reaches his desk.

The Senate may also take up a bill that would require reporting of medical errors that has passed the Assembly in amended form.