Pete Sessions: “I offer my thanks not only to Chairman Bob Goodlatte, but also the distinguished gentleman from Iowa (Mr. King) for his…”

“I offer my thanks not only to Chairman Bob Goodlatte, but also the distinguished gentleman from Iowa (Mr. King) for his work on behalf of all Members on the floor today, for his work not only for the Judiciary Committee, but people of faith and confidence that this country can address the issues and needs. Mr. Chairman, I offer this amendment with Dr. Michael Burgess, who is also from my home State of Texas as well as a member of the Rules Committee. The goal of our amendment is to clarify that healthcare liability claims covered by the legislation include safety, professional, and administrative services directly related to healthcare. In other words, we are bringing in the entire scope, not just necessarily the medical procedure. I was glad to see that H.R. 1215 adopts many of the reforms that States across this country have thoroughly tested in their efforts to improve medical liability law, including my home State of Texas. Not all claims asserted against healthcare providers arise from the direct provision of medical care. My amendment addresses the full spectrum of healthcare claims by following the model that Texas has successfully implemented. Common examples of administrative claims related to healthcare are cases for negligence involving credentialing fraud against hospitals and those serving on their professional committees.…”