AMA challenges changes introduced in Medical Indemnity Amendment Bill
AMA President, Dr Bill Glasson, today welcomed the introduction of the Medical Indemnity Amendment Bill, which was drawn up in response to concerns raised at the AMA's recent rally in Sydney.
While the Bill addresses some of the AMA's short-term concerns, Dr Glasson reminded the Government that a number of long term issues must be addressed well before the next election.
"The AMA has concerns about the timeframe of the Government's 18 month moratorium on the IBNR levy, outlined in Tony Abbott's media release today," Dr Glasson said.
"This is clearly a strategy to put the issue beyond the next election.
"The AMA also seeks solutions to problems with the statute of limitations and the long-term care needs of injured patients.
"The only certainty at this stage is that patients will be paying more for their health care if a long term, sustainable, affordable indemnity system that looks after patients is not put in place.
"Doctors and patients are still very exposed.
"Doctors can be sued many years after the event. The AMA has called on the Government to cover all claims made beyond three years after the event for adults and six years for children.
"The timeframe of the moratorium, the statute of limitations and the provision of long term care needs of injured patients must be resolved by 10 December, when Tony Abbott's committee is due to report to the Prime Minister.
"Most doctors are prepared to put off any long term action in response to the medical indemnity crisis until then.
"Doctors, their patients, and the broader community need to feel secure and certain about what to expect in the future," Dr Glasson said.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306