Senator Kissel Helping to Craft New Medical Malpractice Legislation Praises Governor Rell’s ‘Hands-On’ Approach

State Senator John A. Kissel (R-Enfield) has been working with a small number of his fellow state legislators whose mission is to craft comprehensive legislation addressing medical malpractice reform in Connecticut. Senator Kissel was one of only a handful of legislators selected by legislative leaders at the request of Governor M. Jodi Rell to serve on the working group, which has met once a week for the last six weeks.

“I think it’s great that Governor Rell has made medical malpractice reform a top priority this year. She was with us throughout our first meeting and acknowledged that the votes aren’t there to pass a bill with ‘caps’ on non-economic damages. Nonetheless, there are many areas where we can craft meaningful reform that will help the doctors without compromising patients’ rights,” said Senator Kissel. “Our goal is to craft meaningful, long-lasting reform that is beneficial to all parties involved.”

Senator Kissel also stated that the finalized bill would most likely be introduced in the Judiciary Committee, on which he serves as Ranking Member, by the beginning of April.

“We, as legislators, recognize that with the medical, legal, and insurance industries all involved, this is an extremely complicated and often contentious issue. However, we are optimistic that we can construct legislation that keeps medical malpractice insurance affordable and ensures that healthcare access in Connecticut is not threatened,” continued Senator Kissel. “Although, this year’s bill may in fact be similar to last year’s proposal that was vetoed by then Governor Rowland, Governor Rell has taken a ‘hands-on’ approach to this issue which minimizes the possibility of any veto. Once again, Governor Rell, by taking a leadership role with this issue, almost guarantees that meaningful reform will become law this year.”

Senator Kissel is a Deputy Minority Leader. He is serving his seventh term representing the 7 th district, which consists of East Granby, Enfield, Granby, Somers, Suffield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks.