New Hampshire Panel Mulls Rule Changes to Malpractice Fund

Senate members of the legislative rules committee have objected to rule changes for the malpractice insurance fund proposed by the New Hampshire insurance commissioner.

The joint legislative committee on Friday raised concerns about the amount of control the commissioner would have over the management of the Joint Underwriting Association fund, which was created to provide affordable medical malpractice insurance to high-risk health care providers.

The proposed rules do not authorize anyone to take money from the fund’s surplus.

Last year, the governor and Legislature tried to use $110 million from the fund to balance the state budget.

Policyholders prevailed in court and now expect some money to be distributed as dividends.