2011 Legislative Agenda
Medical malpractice cap
Successful passage of legislation codifying the agreement between
MSV and VTLA to increase Virginia's current $2 million cap by $50,000
annually beginning July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2032.
This agreement satisfies key requirements affirmed by the MSV Board
of Directors by retaining Virginia's total cap; establishing an
agreement for a long period of time; minimizing the risk of large
premium increases; and delaying the effective date of any increases.
Overall, the agreement is expected to help strengthen the
long-term predictability and stability of medical liability insurance
while having a nominal effect on insurance premiums.
The agreement preserves potential avenues for further tort reform
beyond the medical malpractice cap.
Scope of practice
MSV is eager to work with the McDonnell administration, the
General Assembly and other health care provider groups to address
workforce capacity issues without eliminating medical direction and
supervision of certain health care providers.
Physicians remain committed to a collaborative team approach to
health care as well as a willingness to assess the impact of any
scope of practice changes on patient care and quality before offering
our support or opposition.
Medicaid
Medicaid payment rates for physicians and other health care
providers are scheduled to be cut by four percent on July 1, 2011 to
help the commonwealth balance its budget in the coming fiscal year.
MSV will work to ensure deeper cuts are not enacted.
Physicians treating Medicaid patients continue to be reimbursed
well below the cost of care.
MSV is committed to working with decision makers in the
commonwealth to find solutions to driving down Medicaid costs while
recognizing that cutting provider payments may only exacerbate the
difficulty many vulnerable patients like children, expectant mothers
and the elderly, have in finding providers who accept Medicaid.
Health reform
MSV and member physicians have been active participants in Gov.
Bob McDonnell's Virginia Health Reform Initiative (VHRI) Advisory
Council and its related task forces.
MSV is working to ensure that physician interests are represented
and heard as changes are considered to improve Virginia's health
insurance and health care delivery systems.
In defense of medicine
MSV is prepared to address any legislation that would be harmful
to patients and the physician community. Often such legislation is
well-intentioned, but may have unintended consequences that will
affect patient care or quality.
