WHEREAS, a fair and efficient legal system free from frivolous and abusive litigation is necessary for a vibrant economy and access to affordable healthcare; and

WHEREAS, rapidly increasing medical malpractice awards are driving up malpractice insurance premiums, reducing access to healthcare, and fueling the rapid growth in healthcare costs; and

WHEREAS, frivolous medical lawsuits lead to hospitals closing their doors, doctors refusing to see new patients, and in some cases, forcing doctors to leave for other states; and

WHEREAS, reasonable caps on damages protect patients from the rising costs of an diminishing access to healthcare that results from lawsuit abuse; and

WHEREAS, lawsuits filed in a timely fashion promote fairness for all parties; and

WHEREAS, medical malpractice reforms enacting caps on damages, allowing for the inclusion of collateral source payments in jury considerations, and imposing time limits on filing of lawsuits will enhance access to healthcare, lower medical premiums, and lower the cost of healthcare; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2005, that the House of Representatives of the state of Hawaii requests the Congressional delegation of the state of Hawaii to support meaningful medical malpractice liability reform; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to each member of Hawaii's Congressional delegation.

Report Title:

Medical malpractice reform; support