PA legislators wrangle over malpractice subsidy

Pennsylvania state Senators have agreed to continue a malpractice subsidy already in place for doctors and hospitals, while sidestepping a proposal to take money out of the malpractice reserve fund to pay for health insurance. The proposal would create a one-year extension for the malpractice subsidy program, which requires doctors to remain in the state for at least one year after accepting premium payment assistance. However, state Republicans and Democrats are wrangling over a $400 million fund surplus, which Democrats would like to invest in covering the uninsured. Along with the subsidy, the bill under consideration would provide $25 million in grants to facilities to help them implement EMRs, and $25 million in infection-control grants.

To find out more about the legislation:
- read this Philadelphia Inquirer piece [1]

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