In Missouri, Governor Signs Medical Malpractice Insurance Legislation

JEFFERSON CITY – Gov. Matt Blunt today signed legislation that will have long lasting benefits for Missouri patients and seniors.

“I applaud members of the General Assembly for working to pass medical malpractice insurance reform that will help retain good doctors in our state and protect patients’ access to healthcare providers,” Blunt said. “The bill I am signing today complements the meaningful litigation reform I called for and signed last year, which has significant, positive impacts on our state’s healthcare and jobs climate.”

House Bill 1837, sponsored by Rep. Brian Yates, will help stabilize the medical malpractice insurance market in Missouri. It provides new tools for the Department of Insurance to monitor and evaluate market stability and strengthens the department’s authority to act when premiums are found to be unfair, discriminatory or inadequate. It also enacts new provisions requiring insurers to provide appropriate notification for significant policy and rate changes. In addition to meaningful medical malpractice reforms, the bill modernizes the department’s enforcement authority related to all insurance laws, creating a mechanism to require restitution for consumers who are harmed by an insurer’s violations.

House Bill 1440, sponsored by Rep. Mike Sutherland, establishes a trust fund for taxpayers to designate a portion of their tax refund to the Missouri Cervical Cancer Awareness and Treatment Program. The program will help increase awareness and distribute information about cervical cancer.

Blunt also signed Senate Bill 616, sponsored by Sen. Bill Stouffer, redefining and enhancing laws relating to residential care and assisted living facilities. The bill protects seniors’ choices about their living arrangements as they age and ensures seniors will be able to choose a long term care setting that maximizes their quality of life in a safe and dignified home-like environment.