SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 48

(By Senators Ferns and Stollings)

[Introduced February 25, 2016]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the addition of medical review panels in West Virginia in medical malpractice cases.

Whereas, The overly litigious environment of West Virginia does not promote better care

for our citizens, nor does it promote a healthy legal environment; and

Whereas, Medical review panels may be a solution to reduce the number of unwarranted

lawsuits, allowing for lower health care costs; and

Whereas, Medical review panels are designed to ensure that a health care provider

receives a venue to validate their actions before the commencement of a legal action; and

Whereas, Medical review panels are designed to ensure that a legitimate victim of

medical malpractice has a proper source of inquiry as to whether the standard of care was violated; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the addition of medical review panels in West Virginia in medical malpractice cases; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2017, 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.