SENATE HEALTH COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 267

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: JANUARY 22, 1996

      The Senate Health Committee favorably reports Senate Bill No. 267.

      This bill requires all physicians who maintain a professional medical practice in the State and have responsibility for patient care to be covered by medical malpractice insurance or, if coverage is not available, a letter of credit for at least a minimum amount as specified by the State Board of Medical Examiners.

      This requirement is intended to ensure the citizens of the State that they will have some recourse for adequate compensation in the event that a physician is found responsible for acts of malpractice.

      The bill requires the State Board of Medical Examiners to notify all State licensed physicians of the requirements of this bill within 30 days of the date of enactment of the bill.

      This bill is identical to Senate Bill No. 1409 of 1994, which was reported favorably by this committee in the previous session.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 1996-97 session pending technical review. As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review which has been performed.