Apr. 28, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contacts: Lauren Shaham, 202-508-1219
Sarah Mashburn, 202-508-9492

AAHSA Applauds Introduction of the Medical Care Access Protection Act of 2006 (S.22)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) today commended Sen. John Ensign’s (R-Nev.) announcement that he will introduce S. 22, the Medical Care Access Protection Act of 2006.

If passed, this legislation, which applies to assisted living residences and nursing homes, would cap non-economic damages in liability suits at $500,000 if more than one institution is involved. It also permits punitive damages to be the greater of twice the amount of economic damages or $250,000. The bill proposes no limit on economic damages.

“Legislation like this will help keep insurance premiums at a reasonable level for quality providers,” AAHSA President and CEO Larry Minnix said. “Recent cases have led to skyrocketing insurance premiums for nursing homes, even if they do not have claims.”

“Abuse allegations must be investigated and abuse cases must be prosecuted.” Minnix continued. “AAHSA is committed to finding a tort reform solution that includes the ability of persons injured by negligence or malpractice to recover reasonable damages, addresses patient safety and quality of services, and enables providers to obtain liability insurance at reasonable rates related to the quality of care they provide.” AAHSA commends Sen. Ensign for his commitment to liability reform and urges other Senators to support S.22 and help aging-services providers use the funds that would have covered excessive litigation costs to meet of the needs of their states’ older adults.

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About AAHSA
The members of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (www.aahsa.org) help millions of individuals and their families every day through mission-driven, not-for-profit organizations dedicated to providing the services that people need, when they need them, in the place they call home. Our 5,800 member organizations, many of which have served their communities for generations, offer the continuum of aging services: adult day services, home health, community services, senior housing, assisted living residences, continuing care retirement communities and nursing homes. AAHSA’s commitment is to create the future of aging services through quality people can trust.