IA
Iowa Senate Bill SF2220

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF2220

Introduced
2/6/24  
Introduced
2/6/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to noneconomic, punitive, and exemplary damage awards against health care providers and hospitals.

Impact

One of the key provisions of SF2220 is its modification of the cap on noneconomic damage awards. Under present law, the limit for noneconomic damages is set at $250,000, which can increase to as much as $1 million or $2 million under specific circumstances. SF2220 removes this cap entirely if the jury finds substantial loss or impairment of bodily function. This modification is expected to enhance the potential for greater compensation for plaintiffs who experience severe injuries due to medical malpractice, shifting the landscape of medical liability claims in Iowa.

Summary

Senate File 2220 (SF2220) serves as a significant alteration to the current legislation regarding the award of noneconomic, punitive, and exemplary damages against health care providers and hospitals. The bill proposes alterations to how noneconomic damages are defined, asserting that loss of dependent care due to a family member's serious injury or death will be considered economic damages, thereby revising compensation eligibility for affected plaintiffs. This change marks a departure from existing definitions and could lead to a substantial reevaluation of claims related to loss of care responsibilities from primary caregiving family members.

Contention

The bill has sparked discussions centering around its implications for the legal and health care communities. Proponents argue that lifting the cap on noneconomic damages where appropriate allows for fair compensation that reflects the true extent of suffering experienced by victims and their families. However, critics express concerns over potential discouragement of health care providers due to the increased financial risk posed by uncapped punitive damages. The balancing act between ensuring justice for victims and protecting the operational sustainability of health care institutions presents a significant point of contention within the bill's discussions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA SF84

A bill for an act relating to noneconomic, punitive, and exemplary damage awards against health care providers and hospitals.

IA SF2224

A bill for an act relating to tort liability in civil actions involving commercial motor vehicles, including employer liability, noneconomic damages, punitive damages, and exemplary damages.

IA SF77

A bill for an act relating to tort liability in civil actions involving commercial motor vehicles, including employer liability, noneconomic damages, punitive damages, and exemplary damages.

IA SSB1063

A bill for an act relating to noneconomic damage awards against health care providers.(See SF 148.)

IA HF161

A bill for an act relating to damage awards against health care providers, creating a medical error task force, and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly HF 102.) Effective date: 02/16/2023, 07/01/2023. Applicability date: 02/16/2023.

IA HF201

A bill for an act relating to tort liability, including employer liability and noneconomic damages in civil actions involving commercial motor vehicles, and punitive or exemplary damages in civil actions generally.(Formerly HSB 114.)

IA SSB1114

A bill for an act relating to tort liability, including employer liability and noneconomic damages in civil actions involving commercial motor vehicles, and punitive or exemplary damages in civil actions generally.(See SF 228.)

IA HSB114

A bill for an act relating to tort liability, including employer liability and noneconomic damages in civil actions involving commercial motor vehicles, and punitive or exemplary damages in civil actions generally.(See HF 201.)

IA SF148

A bill for an act relating to noneconomic damage awards against health care providers, and including effective date and applicability provisions.(Formerly SSB 1063.)

IA HF102

A bill for an act relating to noneconomic damage awards against health care providers, and including effective date and applicability provisions.(See HF 161.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.