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Missouri law makers say patients should be able to sue their health care providers

March 24, 1997
By: Beth Bentley
State Capital Bureau

Missouri representatives are one step closer to making health maintanence organizations liable for their actions.

Beth Bentley has the story from Jefferson City.

Story:
RunTime:
OutCue: SOC

Representatives said, Monday, they want upset patients to be able to sue their health care provider.

They voted to make HMO's as liable for their actions as physicians.

Columbia representative Tim Harlan says the House is sending a message to the public.

Actuality:Columbia Representative Tim Harlan
RunTime:
OutCue: "in that liability"
Contents: "We want people to be people to be responsible for their actions and if HMO's are making medical decisions then he wants them to share in that liability."

Harlan says he believes the measure will encourage health maintenance organizations to provide quality health care.

For now, the House continues its debate on managed care.

From the state capitol, I'm Beth Bentley.


Missouri representatives say they want upset patients to be able to sue their health care provider.

Beth Bentley has the story from Jefferson City.

Story:
RunTime:
OutCue: SOC

The House came one step closer to allowing patients to sue their health care providers.

Missouri representatives voted, Monday, to make HMO's as liable as physicians.

Representative John Griesheimer says he was shocked to find out that current law gives HMO's immunity.

Actuality:
RunTime:
OutCue:
Contents: "It blew a lot of the interim committees' minds when we found this out - that they had granted statutory immunity in our law. It's unconsciousable."

Griesheimer says HMO's make important medical decisions and should be held responsible.

For now, the House will continue to debate managed care.

From the state capitol, I'm Beth Bentley.