Mike Enzi: “I rise to discuss a bill that I will introduce today with Senator Baucus--the Fair and Reliable Medical Justice Act of…”

“I rise to discuss a bill that I will introduce today with Senator Baucus--the Fair and Reliable Medical Justice Act of 2007. This legislation recognizes the current disrepair of our medical liability system and puts into place a process that will provide better results for patients and for doctors. Our legislation is designed to encourage States to rethink the way the system works so that injured patients receive fair and just compensation in a more timely manner. The new system would also provide consistent and reliable results so that doctors can eliminate the practice of defensive medicine and instead focus on the needs of each individual patient. Unfortunately, that doesn't happen right now because our system is broken. I know we debate medical litigation frequently here on the floor, but throughout those debates I have noticed something interesting. Whenever we argue the pros and cons of the bills before us, no one ever stands up to argue that the system doesn't need any reform. In fact, everyone in the Senate agrees that our medical litigation system needs to be changed. Why doesn't anyone try to defend our current medical litigation system? Because it doesn't work. No one--not patients or health care providers--are appropriately served by our current procedures. Right now, many patients who are hurt by negligent actions receive no compensation for their loss.”