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Sen. Connick pulls medical-malpractice overhaul for study after hours of debate
Summary
Sen. Connick urged replacing Louisiana’s medical-review panels with a certificate-of-merit/merit system, citing the Patient Compensation Fund’s reserves; after sustained questioning about premiums, constitutional issues and data, Connick asked to convert the bill to a study resolution and the motion was filed for further review.
Sen. Connick outlined legislation that would change Louisiana’s medical-malpractice process, saying the current panel system causes duplicative litigation and delays and arguing a merit/certificate-of-merit system would reduce costs.
Connick said the Patient Compensation Fund holds substantial reserves and questioned why premiums and surcharges keep rising; “We have a revenue machine,” he said, describing the fund’s asset base and surplus during his remarks. He urged an audit and a study resolution so stakeholders could examine fund governance and payout practices.
The proposal drew sustained pushback from colleagues. Sen. Press (questioning) said she “respectfully disagree[d]” and pressed Connick on whether the bill would change the long-standing cap on general damages; Press also noted prior changes separating special damages from general damages and asked for clarity on the statute’s present effect. Sen. Bass said she had received calls from medical providers urging opposition. Sen. Carter, an attorney, asked how often panels actually rule against physicians; Connick replied anecdotally and said the panel process often delays resolution.
Sen. Luna and others asked about Lamico and the fund’s reserves; Connick said the fund had roughly $1.4 billion in assets and described an operating surplus and recurring investment income while arguing the fund’s financial posture merited study. Lawmakers warned about constitutional questions and equal treatment for state providers under a new process.
After extended discussion and repeated requests for more data and cross‑stakeholder review, Connick said he would ask the body to convert the bill into a study resolution and seek an audit by the state auditor. The chair noted an objection was registered on the motion; Connick filed the request to turn SB 500 into a study resolution for further work instead of pressing for final passage.
What happens next: Connick asked the Senate to convert SB 500 into a study resolution and requested an audit of the Patient Compensation Fund; the bill will be studied further rather than immediately advanced.
Quotes attributed in this article come from the Senate floor transcript and are attributed to the speakers listed in the meeting record.
