NSW Government's Tort Reform Package Goes Part Of The Way
President of the AMA, Dr Kerryn Phelps, today welcomed moves by the NSW Government for tort reform in relation to medical indemnity.
Dr Phelps said she had been consulted regularly by Health Minister, Craig Knowles, and Director General of NSW Health, Mick Reid, prior to today's announcement.
"The AMA has been lobbying for tort reform for some years now, and we are encouraged that the NSW Government is now pursuing the same goal," Dr Phelps said.
"However, tort law reform alone will not solve the problem of sharply increasing medical indemnity costs for doctors.
"While today's announcement goes part of the way towards easing the pressure on doctors, particularly those in country areas, more needs to be done.
"The Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council (AHMAC) is currently working on some other proposals relating to medical indemnity which, when coupled with the NSW Government's initiatives, will represent a significant policy package."
Dr Phelps said the AMA's only major reservation about today's announcement is the issue of medical indemnity insurance becoming compulsory.
"In effect, it would grant indemnity insurers greater power than the NSW Medical Board to disqualify doctors," Dr Phelps said.
"It would also make practice non-viable for part-time doctors and doctors who are nearing retirement.
"The AMA has concerns about this proposal, and I will be seeking further talks on the matter," Dr Phelps said.
On other fronts, the AMA is continuing its push for structured settlements for medical indemnity cases, and is expecting the results of a review of major medical indemnity insurer, UMP, by 15 March.