AMA getting results on medical indemnity

27 March, 2003

The State Government has agreed to fast-track medical indemnity reform following representations from the AMA (WA).

AMA (WA) President Dr Bernard Pearn-Rowe and officers of the AMA met with the Health Minister and senior Government bureaucrats, including the Director General of Health, about the indemnity issue this morning.

"The State Government agrees with the AMA that this is an urgent issue affecting the patients of Western Australia," Dr Pearn-Rowe said.

"The Minister agreed to regular meetings with the AMA to fast-track solutions to ensure reform and address key concerns."

Dr Pearn-Rowe said State Government reform coupled with the new Federal legislation passed through the Senate last night was encouraging news for patients and their doctors.

"While there is much still to be done, the pressure on doctors to retire by June 30 is now easing," Dr Pearn-Rowe said.

"The State is finally showing traction in the areas of tort law reform and the Statute of Limitations."

"The new Federal Legislation still raises some major concerns."

"These include death disability and retirement cover (DDR), so-called "Blue Sky" cover for settlements over the level of a doctor's insurance cap and community funded longer term care and rehabilitation schemes. Government acknowledges the problems and has agreed to meetings with the AMA to find answers."

"With the State and Federal Government's working with the AMA it is hoped we can avoid losing doctors with unique skills developed over decades who may choose early retirement as an option to being subjected to unsustainable medical indemnity," Dr Pearn-Rowe said.

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