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Bill To Create Medical Review Panels Passes Kentucky Senate
By: Associated Press
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FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – The Kentucky House has passed a bill to shake up the state’s medical malpractice system by creating panels of medical providers to review cases.
The bill passed on a 51-45 vote Wednesday and returns to the Senate, which will consider changes by the House. If the Senate accepts those changes, the bill would go to Gov. Matt Bevin.
The measure would create panels to review the merits of malpractice lawsuits against doctors, hospitals, nursing homes or their executives.
Panels of three medical providers would review cases before they go to court.
Trial judges could be asked to admit the panel’s opinions as evidence.
Supporters say the panels don’t take away anyone’s right to go to court with malpractice claims. Opponents say the panels would be a barrier delaying access to courts.