Indiana fares well in 'liability crisis' survey

PHYSICIAN WATCH

The American Medical Association says Indiana is relatively doctor-friendly when it comes to state laws governing medical liability and malpractice suits.

The AMA says the Hoosier state is among eight nationwide in “stable” condition in what it describes as the country’s “medical liability crisis.”

It claims excessive malpractice awards are driving doctors out of practice and limiting patient access to medical care in 17 states, which it rates as being in “crisis.”The other 25 states, including Michigan, are in a “cautious” condition.

Indiana lawmakers approved medical liability reform way back in 1975 when Dr. Otis Bowen, a physician from Bremen, was governor.

The law put a cap on total damages (now $1.25 million) and established a statewide compensation fund that limits the liability of individual physicians.
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