House passes malpractice legislation

On Thursday, the House passed malpractice legislation which would cap jury awards in medical malpractice cases. The bill would cap pain and suffering awards at $250,000 and limit punitive damages in certain situations. Analysts said the law is unlikely to make it much further this year since there may be no time on the Senate's schedule. However, there may be a better chance for the legislation in the Senate compared to previous years given its new make-up. House Democrats were quick to attack a provision in the bill which some said would shield medical device makers and pharmaceutical companies involved in cases like the current Vioxx litigation.

- see this story from The Washington Post

PLUS: The House also voted to approve expanded healthcare funding for the Veteran's Administration, authorizing a further $1.5 billion for the agency. Story

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