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Last updated on Wednesday, March 9, 2016
(STATEHOUSE) - A bill authored by State Sen. Brent Steele (R-Bedford) that would allow medical malpractice victims to receive more compensation passed the Senate today by a vote of 49-0 and will now move to the governor for final consideration.
Senate Enrolled Act 28 would update the payment cap for the first time since 1998 by $400,000. The new total, maximum compensation under SEA 28 would be $1.65 million in 2017, and would increase to $1.8 million in 2019.
"It was extremely important for the General Assembly to pass this legislation because the current cap hasn't been updated in nearly 20 years, making our entire medical malpractice system vulnerable to a constitutional challenge," Steele said. "After dedicating more than 150 hours working on this legislation, I am pleased that all parties involved - including the Indiana State Medical Association, Indiana Hospital Association, Indiana Health Care Association and Indiana Trial Lawyers Association - were able to reach an agreement so this important legislation can now move on to the governor's desk."
Steele added that SEA 28 would allow payments to be received within 60 days rather than every three months. The bill also includes instructive language encouraging all parties to keep the medical review panel process moving as expediently as possible.
Steele received a standing ovation upon the passage of SEA 28, which is his final bill before retiring after 20 years in the General Assembly.
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