By using this website you allow us to place cookies on your computer. Please read our Privacy Policy for more details.
Publication Date: March 2005
Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Author(s):
Research Area: Law and ethics
Type:
Abstract:
H.R. 534, 109th Congress, would preempt state law regarding some aspects of medical malpractice liability, and liability for defective medical products, including drugs. It would not, however, preempt any state law that imposes greater procedural or substantive protections for health care providers and health care organizations from liability. In medical malpractice and defective medical products suits, H.R. 534 would, among other things, place caps on noneconomic and punitive damages (but only in states that have not enacted and do not enact caps), eliminate joint and several liability, modify the collateral source rule, limit lawyers' contingent fees, enact a federal statute of limitations, and provide for periodic payment of future damages.