American College of Emergency Physicians

Recent Reforms Enacted (since 2003)	In 2010, the non-economic damage cap was lowered to a hard cap of $450,000. It had been higher due to previous annual inflation adjustments to a soft $400,000 cap. An affidavit of merit requirement was also implemented for cases in which a pre-trial screening panel finds a case lacks merit. SB 79 was enacted in 2009 raising the standard of evidence required to prove negligence in emergency care cases from a preponderance of the evidence to clear and convincing evidence. This law will sunset in 2013.
Emergency Care Provision	Clear and convincing evidence required to prevail in emergency care cases.
Reform Elements In Law	$450K Cap Joint Liability Collateral Source Attorney Fee Limit Periodic Payments Emergency Care Pre-Trial Screening Panel Affidavit of Merit
Constitutional Status of Reforms	State Supreme Court upheld the state’s $250,000 cap on noneconomic damages (2004)
Change in Insurance Rates	AMA reports at least one insurer raised rates as much as 0 to 25% in 2004.
Insurance Availability	Information not available.
Change in Physician Availability	Information not available.
Change in Cases Filed/Awards	91 paid claims in 2003 or 18.1 per 1000 active nonfederal physicians. US avg. was 18.8 per 1000. 98 paid claims in 2005 or 19.1 per 1000 active nonfederal physicians. US avg. was 17.1 per 1000. (Kaiser) 76 total number of paid claims for 2006 or 12.3 per 1,000 active, non-federal physicians. 67 paid claims in 2007.