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Florida Hospital sues to block error-reporting amendment

Patient Safety Monitor Alert, November 9, 2004

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Florida Hospital in Orlando and the Florida Hospital Association filed two lawsuits November 4 to block a pair of state constitutional amendments that increase public reporting of medical errors and bar physicians who have two or more medical malpractice judgments against them from practicing in Florida, according to The Associated Press.

Richard Morris, Florida Hospital's vice president for governmental and regulatory affairs, told the AP that hospitals need further clarification from legislators or the courts in order to comply with the legislation.

One amendment allows patients to see medical error information upon request but could violate Florida and federal rules shielding such information, Morris said. The other amendment may violate physicians' right to due process by automatically prohibiting doctors with more than two malpractice judgments from practicing in the state.

Voters approved both amendments during last Tuesday's election.

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