New York physicians have expressed appreciation to Governor Kathy Hochul for her decision to veto legislation that would have expanded awards in wrongful death lawsuits. The Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) released a statement emphasizing their gratitude and outlining concerns about the potential impact of such legislation on the state’s healthcare system.
“The physicians of New York State are once again sincerely grateful to Governor Hochul for her veto of legislation that would have greatly expanded the awards in actions for wrongful death. Governor Hochul has stood by the concerns she has previously noted regarding the significant unintended consequences of this far-reaching, expansive legislation, particularly for our already struggling health care system—without balanced provisions to bring down New York’s exorbitant liability insurance costs for physicians. These concerns are even greater as New York continues to grapple with the consequences of HR1 enacted by Congress earlier this year.”
MSSNY indicated its willingness to collaborate with state leaders on new proposals that would balance support for grieving families with protections for healthcare providers. “MSSNY stands ready to work with the Governor and the Legislature on revised legislation that would ensure legal remedies for grieving families, but at the same time protect the ability of New York’s physicians, hospitals, and other health care workers to continue to deliver the care our patients expect and deserve. We cannot do that if we substantially increase our already enormous liability insurance costs, which already exponentially exceed every other state in the country. These costs would disproportionately impact physicians working in underserved communities and diminish access to care for such communities. Comprehensive liability reform including a reasonable cap on non-economic damages has long been advocated by the physician community. At it’s last annual House of Delegates meeting, MSSNY called for a task force of diverse stakeholders to facilitate the enactment of needed liability reform across various areas.”
The organization also highlighted ongoing challenges facing healthcare professionals in New York, including high liability insurance premiums and physician shortages in some areas. “New York has a reputation for a world class healthcare system, but also a reputation for being one of the worst states in the country in which to be a physician. We must take steps to ensure that we can retain and attract skilled physicians to our state to best serve the healthcare needs of our patients, as many of our communities experience physician work force shortages.”
The statement concluded: “Again, we thank Governor Hochul for putting patients first and protecting the healthcare needs of every New Yorker.”
Founded in 1807, MSSNY is recognized as New York’s principal non-profit professional organization representing physicians across all specialties.
