Liability (Tort Reform)

Tort reform to include, but not limited to, certificate of merit, alternative dispute resolution systems, several liability for non-economic damages, reform of the contingent fee system, and elimination of double recoveries while preserving subrogation rights. (Reaffirmed A-23)

Liability relief linked to conformance to practice parameters. (Reaffirmed A-23)

The Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) support the concept of caps on non-economic damages. (Res B-12, A-25) 
 
The WSMA supports the idea of a certificate of merit with regard to medical liability. (Res B-12, A-25) 
 
The WSMA supports a statute of limitation with an end date of three years from the incident. (Res B-12, A-25)

Protecting Patient Access to Care Regardless of Immigration Status
The WSMA recognizes immigration enforcement and policy as a public health issue that negatively impacts access to care, trust in medical providers, and overall health outcomes. (C-19, A-25)

The WSMA advocate for legal and policy protections that prohibit immigration enforcement actions within or targeting health care facilities and their data systems (C-19, A-25)

The WSMA support expanded funding and infrastructure for telehealth services, especially for immigrant and undocumented communities, as a means of improving access and minimizing risk of exposure to enforcement activities. (C-19, A-25)

The WSMA encourage education for medical providers and staff on patient privacy rights, emergency preparedness in the face of enforcement actions, and culturally safe communication with immigrant patients. (C-19, A-25)

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Abbreviations for House of Delegates report origination:

EC – Executive Committee; BT – Board of Trustees; CPA – Council on Professional Affairs; JC – Judicial Council; CHS – Community and Health Services