Governor Henry Vetoes Tort Reform AGAIN!

The Oklahoma State Medical Association (OSMA), on behalf of its 5000+ member physicians, wishes to expresses its supreme disappointment in Governor Brad Henry’s action in vetoing legislation passed by the Oklahoma State Legislature last week (HB 2488) to require a Certificate of Merit before a personal injury trial lawyer could file a medical liability lawsuit. This issue was promoted and signed into law 5 years ago by Governor Henry before being struck down by the Oklahoma State Supreme Court. We are in disbelief that the Governor would now veto a piece of legislation that he has in the past promoted and signed. What has changed his mind so quickly? This one piece of legislation was written specifically to conform with the Supreme Court’s objection to the originally signed legislation and has been upheld as constitutional in several states, including those neighboring Oklahoma. When enacted, the Certificate of Merit Legislation has been shown to markedly decrease the number of frivolous lawsuits that are filed and to increase access to needed medical care and enhance business development in the states in which it has become law. Unfortunately, the Oklahoma House of Representatives failed to override the Governor’s veto this afternoon (Monday, 5/12/08). The veto that was sustained by the House means that Oklahomans will continue losing access to needed medical care and will keep us at a competitive disadvantage with our neighboring states on economic development in Oklahoma because of the number of frivolous lawsuits filed each year in our state.

Legislative Update 05-23-08

The 2008 Oklahoma Legislative Session is coming to an end. Sine Die is scheduled for today Friday, May 23, 2008.

HCR 1092, by Representative Dr. Doug Cox, rejects a proposed rule by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing to increase prescription rights to 30 days for schedule III prescriptions. The OSMA is in support of this piece of legislation.

Please look for the 2008 Legislative Report with a complete update of all the legislation OSMA has supported, opposed and tracked this session.