NURSING HOME LAWSUITS Ky Senate OKs Bill To Review Nursing Home Lawsuits
Reported by: Associated Press
Web Producer: Heath Harrison
Reported: Feb. 13, 2013 8:30 PM EST
Updated: Feb. 13, 2013 8:43 PM EST
Eyewitness News Photo
Frankfort, Franklin County
, Kentucky
A panel of doctors would have to review and approve malpractice lawsuits against nursing homes before they could proceed to court under a bill that has passed the Senate.
The vote late Wednesday afternoon was 23-12, mainly along party lines, in the Republican-controlled chamber.
Republican Sen. Julie Denton of Louisville, the bill's sponsor, said the panel would weed out frivolous lawsuits filed by large, out-of-state law firms. She said the money currently spent on litigation would be better spent on care.
Democratic Sen. Ray Jones of Pikeville, who voted against the bill, held up poster-sized photos of bed sores and other signs of abuse and neglect of some nursing home residents. He said such victims should have direct access to the courts.
The bill will proceed to the House for consideration.
Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
NY gov: Fracking decision to come before election May 23, 2013 4:12 PM EDT Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he'll make a decision on whether to allow shale gas fracking in New York before the 2014 election.
UofL trustees panel backs 3 percent tuition hike May 23, 2013 4:38 PM EDT A University of Louisville trustees committee has recommended a 3 percent increase in undergraduate tuition for the next academic year.
Arrest made in slaying of former NFL player May 23, 2013 4:38 PM EDT Police in suburban Atlanta say an arrest has been made in the death of former NFL player David McMillan III.
Associated Press
