WV Upholds $500,000 Malpractice Cap

The Supreme Court of West Virginia has upheld a $500,000 malpractice cap on pain and suffering damages. The cap was put in place by a 2003 law that was designed to address growing malpractice judgements.

Supporters of malpractice caps state that the caps are necessary to ensure that doctors are not pushed out of the profession by growing malpractice insurance costs. Opponents state that malpractice caps limit victims of egregious actions from obtaining appropriate compensation.

To read more about the West Virginia decision, click here:
http://www.dailymail.com/News/statenews/201106221188


Source: Charleston Daily Mail

Louisiana Health System May Face Class Action Lawsuit on Negligent Credentialing

A Louisiana judge has ruled that a case filed by five former patients against Willis-Knighton Health System can move forward. The plaintiffs allege that the health system failed to properly credential neurosurgeon Dr. Ravish Patawardhan. They also claim that after Dr. Patawardhan was given privileges, the health system failed to investigate concerns raised by nurses regarding his surgical skills.

No hearing date has been scheduled.

To read a full article on the lawsuit, click here:
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20110616/NEWS01/106160328/Lawsuit-against-health-system-may-move-forward


Source: shreveporttimes.com

New Residencies in Addiction Medicine Begin Next Month

In July, the first ten residency programs accredited by the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM) will begin. There are currently 20 physicians enrolled in the program. The programs were designed to address the growing needs of those suffering from substance abuse. They will focus on developing skills screening, intervention, detoxification, and rehabilitation.

At this time, the ABAM is not seeking ABMS membership of ACGME accreditation of its programs.


Source: amednews.com
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/06/06/prsa0606.htm