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H.R. 5 (HEALTH) ACT INTRODUCED IN THE U.S. HOUSE
On February 6, 2003, Rep. Jim Greenwood (R-PA) announced the introduction of H.R. 5, the bipartisan HEALTH (Help Efficient Accessible, Low-Cost, Timely Health Care) Act. The HEALTH Act is sponsored by Rep. Greenwood and cosponsored by 65 Members, including Representatives Christopher Cox (R-CA), Ernie Fletcher, MD (R-KY), John Murtha (D-PA), Collin Peterson (D-MN), and Charlie Stenholm (D-TX). The HEALTH Act safeguards patients’ access to care through the following common sense reforms: Limiting the number of years a plaintiff has to file a healthcare liability action to ensure that claims are brought while evidence and witnesses are available. Allocating damages fairly, in proportion to a party’s degree of fault. Allowing patients to recover for economic damages such as future medical expenses and loss of future earnings while establishing a cap on non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, of $250,000. Placing reasonable limits on punitive damages to be the greater of two times the amount of economic damages awarded or $250,000. Please ask your grassroots physicians to use the AMA Grassroots Hotline and/or the AMA in Washington website to contact their Representative as soon as possible to urge them to cosponsor H.R. 5. |