Physician leaders are supporting a new proposed federal law that aims to reduce litigation against physicians, lower healthcare costs, and establish more fairness in the analyzing of malpractice claims. The new House bill, Saving Lives, Saving Costs Act, introduced by Congressmen Andy Barr (R-KY) and Ami Bera, MD, (D-CA) would create “safe harbor” – protection from liability – for physicians who follow best practice guidelines from malpractice suits.

More than 75% of physicians face a malpractice claim over the course of their career—a liability climate that can drive patient care and encourage overutilization, adding billions of dollars in health costs each year. And patient outcomes don’t appear to improve as a result.

If the physician being sued argues that he or she adhered to relevant, best practice guidelines, the case will be put in front of an independent medical review panel for investigation. If the panel determines that the clinician did comply to the guidelines or that the injury was not caused by failure to comply, the case will be dismissed.

Personal injury lawyers are pushing back, one in particular claiming: “There is no evidence, however, that this safe harbor would actually promote patient safety. In fact, in Texas, where emergency room physicians have had immunity since 2003, patient safety has steadily decreased.”

The Center for Justice and Democracy argues that clinical practice guidelines should not be used as a legal basis for determining negligence. The organization claims that there is already a general recognition that conflict of interest and specialty bias are ongoing problems in the development of clinical practice guidelines.

Other concerns include the numerous, and sometimes contradictory, guidelines for the same area of medical practice.

Do you think this bill will help safeguard physicians against the influx of federal rules and regulations?