Legislature Limits UM Doctor Liability
TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) - If you have a University of Miami doctor at Jackson Memorial who commits malpractice, the Florida Legislature has one word for you, tough.
Wednesday, the Florida House approved a bill to shield UM doctors from liability when they treat patients at Jackson Memorial Hospital. The bill had already unanimously passed the Senate on Tuesday.
The bill grants sovereign immunity to UM doctors working at the publicly financed teaching hospital. The sovereign immunity limits liability in malpractice cases to $200,000.
Typically, sovereign immunity is reserved for government agencies, but supporters said the wide range of services provided at Jackson benefits the entire state.
"This is not a Miami-Dade County issue," said Rep. Jeanette Nunez, R-Miami. "This is, indeed, a state of Florida issue."
The bill now heads to Governor Rick Scott's desk and will likely be signed into law.
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