Coalition Launches Public Information Web Site

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., December 19, 2002¾ The Coalition to Heal Healthcare in Florida today announced the launch of the group’s new interactive Web site, offering the latest information on Florida’s medical liability crisis and the coalition’s campaign to seek reforms during the 2003 legislative session.

The Web site, www.healFLhealthcare.org, contains background information on the coalition, including its comprehensive plan for fixing Florida’s broken medical liability system. It also includes a section titled "What’s at Stake," which sets out the key issues surrounding the current crisis and how it is negatively impacting the level of healthcare for all Floridians.

The site has a "Resources" section containing important reports and study findings on the medical liability crisis and a "News Room" that includes a digital press kit complete with various fact sheets, frequently asked questions and recent news articles covering the issue.

There are two grassroots features on the site¾ a "Tell A Friend" function that allows the user to spread the word on the coalition to friends and colleagues through email, and a "Take Action" function that allows the user to send a letter to his or her own state representative and state senator urging legislative action.

The Coalition to Heal Healthcare in Florida, spearheaded by the Florida Hospital Association and the Florida Medical Association, is a broad alliance of more than 50 of the state's top health care and business groups. It has provided a detailed package of proposed reforms to the House Medical Liability Insurance Workgroup and the Governor’s Select Task Force on Healthcare Professional Liability Insurance.

The Coalition's solutions center on three basic areas¾ defining more clearly reasonable parameters of litigation and compensation, providing for a more stable insurance market and improving patient safety.

"Without question, the medical liability crisis is already hurting Floridians. Fair reform is within our reach, but we have to work together to achieve it," said Wayne NeSmith, president of Florida Hospital Association. "We feel that this Web site is a valuable resource for all Floridians to stay informed on the latest happenings and get involved in this important legislation."

The Coalition, working in support of Governor Jeb Bush's efforts to repair the liability system, is asking state lawmakers to restore fairness and balance to the process so that injured patients can be justly compensated while protecting health care for all Floridians.

"By year's end, at least six Florida hospitals will be forced to close their obstetrics units because they can't find affordable liability insurance," NeSmith added. "Other hospitals are struggling to maintain their emergency rooms, mammography units, and various types of surgery. Florida's leading health care and business groups are united on this issue¾ the Legislature must address this crisis to ensure that our citizens can obtain these important services."