SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 51
(By Senators Jackson, Kessler, Bowman, McKenzie, Edgell, Hunter, Plymale, Rowe, Prezioso, McCabe, Unger, Anderson, Minard, Sharpe, Ross, Mitchell, Caldwell, Love, Burnette, Facemyer, Oliverio, Minear, Sprouse and Helmick)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the use of practice guidelines for reducing medical costs and for making medical malpractice determinations more objective.
Whereas, Medical malpractice insurance eligibility and premiums have been important issues 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 allow medical providers to perform sufficient diagnostic tests, consultations and treatment procedures while avoiding unnecessary procedures in order 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 study the use of practice guidelines for reducing medical costs and for making medical malpractice insurance determinations more objective; 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.