Senator Kissel Supports Medical Malpractice Reform Legislation

Bill Passes Senate, Now Moves to House for a Vote

The State Senate approved legislation last night that addresses medical malpractice reform in Connecticut. State Senator John A. Kissel (R-Enfield), a co-sponsor of the bill, joined 26 of his fellow legislators in supporting the bill. 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 a medical malpractice working group that helped craft this bill.

“With so many industries involved, medical malpractice reform is an extremely difficult issue. However, I am pleased with the legislation as it includes reforms targeting the judicial, public health, insurance, and medical industries. Plus, most importantly, it will help control doctors’ premiums without compromising patients’ right,” said
Senator Kissel. “I would like to commend my colleagues that worked on this legislation as well as
Governor M. Jodi Rell, who took a ‘hands-on’ leadership approach on this matter.”

Over the last two years, a great deal of debate on medical malpractice centered on monetary ‘caps’ on non-economic damages. This legislation achieves reform without instituting caps.

“Governor Rell recognized that there simply were not enough votes in either chamber to pass a bill that included caps, but some degree of reform was certainly needed,” added Senator Kissel. “Today’s bill is an important first step and I am glad we were able to develop legislation that will result in meaningful reform for all parties.”

Senator Kissel is a Deputy Minority Leader. He represents the citizens of East Granby, Enfield, Granby, Somers, Suffield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks.