U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today co-sponsored the Saving Lives, Saving Costs Act (S. 1475). This legislation would allow physicians who can demonstrate they followed recommended best practices developed by the physician community to benefit from increased liability protection in the form of a legal safe harbor. By reducing the necessary practice of defensive medicine and increasing adherence to evidence-based medicine this legislation has the potential to help lower health care costs while improving the quality of care for patients.
“In order to make health care affordable to all Americans, we must continue to look for ways to lower costs and increase access,” said Senator Capito. “Meritless lawsuits increase costs for taxpayers and patients and threaten access to care. The bicameral Saving Lives, Saving Costs Act lays out a reasonable approach to fight back against frivolous litigation and to safeguard doctors who practice evidence-based medicine that improves patient outcomes. This will ensure that patients have access to quality and affordable care.”
Today, more than 75 percent of physicians face a malpractice claim over the course of their career. This liability climate drives up the cost of care that physicians provide, encourages overutilization and adds an estimated $70 to $126 billion in health costs each year without improving outcomes.
Congressman Andy Barr (KY-6) and Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) today introduced the Saving Lives, Saving Costs Act. Congressman Phil Roe (R-TN) joins Senator Capito as an original co-sponsor.
