PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

MICRA Agreement

In a historic agreement, Californians Allied for Patient Protection (CAPP) and the Consumer Attorneys of California have announced a consensus on legislation to modernize the Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act (MICRA). The new approach to MICRA—introduced as Assembly Bill 35 in the legislature—extends the long-term predictability and affordability of medical liability insurance premiums, while keeping MICRA’s essential guardrails solidly in place for patients and providers alike.

For decades, California’s landmark medical malpractice laws have successfully struck a balance between compensatory justice for injured patients and maintaining an overall health care system that is accessible and affordable.

In that time, California’s physician and provider communities have repeatedly defended MICRA through expensive battles at the ballot, in the courtroom, and in the legislature. This year, with the Fairness for Injured Patients Act (FIPA) slated for the November ballot, we were again facing another costly initiative battle that could obliterate existing safeguards for out-of-control medical lawsuits and result in skyrocketing health care costs.

Keep your eyes open for further details coming in the days ahead.

Paul D. Reynolds, MD

SSVMS President

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