General Assembly to consider bills expanding liability limits

Two bill likely to be introduced in the Ohio General Assembley later this year would restrict the ability of patients to sue emergency department doctors, OBGYNs and pediatricians (Source: “Proposals want additional protection to ER doctors, OBGYNs and pediatricians,” MedCity News, June 9, 2009).

Senate Bill 86 would grant qualified immunity from civil lawsuit both to physicians working in emergency rooms and any doctor who provides care during a natural disaster. The bill has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Civil Justice Committee.

The Ohio State Medical Association also is supporting the introduction of separate legislation that would place a statute of limitation of between 8 and 12 years on liability for physicians in the treatment of children. Current state law allows physicians to be sued until a child turns 19.