February 15, 2007  Legislation

Healthcare

Malpractice

Physicians

Medical Marijuana

Healthcare

The Texas Governor, Rick Perry, has ordered that all female children at about age 11 get the new Merck shot to prevent HPV and some types of cervical cancer.  There is an opt out provision for parents who do not want their children receiving the shot.

One of the People's Republic of Massachusetts' influential people, the president of the non-profit Smaller Business Association of New England, wants business to pay even more than is going to be required under the present bill.  He states that his organization's members usually pay above 50% of the premiums for their employees.  The law requires 1/3 contribution to avoid the mandatory contribution of $295 per year per employee. 

Still in the People's Republic, the law of unintended consequences is at work.  Over 200,000 people will need to buy more insurance than they want due to the new law.  This is to meet the minimum requirements under the law.  Most don't have coverage for drugs which will be required.  The number does not include those with policies with coverage limits.  So far, the insurance carriers are balking at the low premium that they would receive.  The insurance companies stated that they could meet the low monthly premiums but there would be a co-pay.  this would not be legal under the cover all policy of the republic.  Most bids will fall in the $300 per month range.

The Republic's Board has asked the insurance industry to come up with pricing for a plan with and without prescription benefits.  those legislators in the union pockets will never vote for a plan without prescription benefits.  This may be the killer of the legislation.

The California Department of Managed Care is so disgusted with the insurance industry's discrimination of individual health coverage that they are suggesting that no person may be dropped unless the State first review the decision.   

The IRS has put out a notice of good governance practices for 501 (c) (3) organizations.  They categories are generally for openness and fairness, which today do not exist.  

Republican Mitt Romney has announced his run for the Presidency.  In his opening remarks he pointedly left off any mention of his poorly conceived health plan that will bury the People's Republic in red ink for the foreseeable future.    Top

Malpractice

The Arizona Senate has raised the burden of proof in med mal cases to clear and convincing from preponderance.  The trial lawyers are not happy campers.

Nebraska is trying to catch up with the world.  A bill has been introduced that would allow any apology by a healthcare worker to not be allowed in court.  Currently the law states it is allowed as an admission.  Guess who is against the bill?  The Nebraska trial lawyers.        Top

Physicians

A North Carolina State Senator has introduced a bill to allow physicians immunity if they participate in capitol punishment.  This is directly against the rules of the Medical Board which has stopped all executions in the state.        Top

Medical Marijuana

The New Mexico Senate is the latest legislative body to go against the federal law and allow medical marijuana in the state.  This program would be state run.        Top

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DISCLAIMER: Although this article is updated periodically, it reflects the author's point of view at the time of publication. Nothing in this article constitutes legal advice. Readers should consult with their own legal counsel before acting on any of the information presented.