Judd Gregg: “I believe the punitive damages issue in this bill is a major issue. This bill, as all of us have pointed out who have…”

“I believe the punitive damages issue in this bill is a major issue. This bill, as all of us have pointed out who have concerns about it, is going to be candy land for lawyers. One of the reasons it is going to be is because of the punitive damage language which allows forum shopping for the best punitive damage opportunities; whereas, under today's law, punitive damages are radically distributed, and should be because the purpose is to create quality health care, and punitive damage awards would drive up insurance costs. That is passed on to the consumer, which means fewer people can afford insurance. As a practical matter, I want to say that I think the Senator from Delaware is on the right track, and I hope the conference will listen to his comments.”