HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 77
(By Mr. Speaker, Mr. Kiss, and Delegates G. White,
Staton, Kominar, Varner, Beane and Browning)
[Introduced March 6, 2002; referred to the
Committee on Rules.]
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to make
a study of the use of practice guideline for reducing medical
costs and for making medical malpractice determinations more
objective.
Whereas, Medical malpractice insurance eligibility and premiums
have been an important issue for West Virginia recently; and
Whereas, The cost of health care and health insurance coverage
has increased dramatically in recent years; and
Whereas, Practice guidelines guide medical providers so that
they do sufficient diagnostic tests, consultations and treatment
procedures but do not perform unnecessary procedures to protect
themselves in case a medical malpractice claim is filed; and
Whereas, Several states, including Florida, Maine, Minnesota
and Vermont have turned to the use of practice guidelines that
define the standard of care as one strategy for reducing health
care costs while maintaining quality care; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to make a study of the use of practice guideline for
reducing medical costs and to make recommendations to the
Legislature regarding this subject; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2003, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.