New Effort Would Lift Medical Malpractice Compensation Cap
State lawmakers are being lobbied to take a harder line on prescription drug abuse and the doctors who enable it. A number of bills attempt to address that problem -- but not the $250,000 cap on jury awards to victims of medical malpractice for pain and suffering. That was etched in stone as part of a landmark act in 1975. Now, reform advocates are mobilizing to attack the cap on next year's ballot.
Doctor Shortage Means a Bigger Role for Mid-Level Providers
There's a turf war going on over who's going to deliver health care as federal reform unfolds. There aren't enough doctors to meet the expanding need, especially in the Central Valley and the Inland Empire. Senator Ed Hernanadez is pushing three bills that would expand the medical mandate of optometrists, pharmacists and nurse practitioners. Physician groups are against the measures. Community clinics in South Los Angeles provide a preview of what may be in store for the state.