Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1152

Introduced
5/18/23  

Caption

In medical professional liability, further providing for informed consent.

Impact

The impact of HB 1152 could significantly alter the landscape of medical liability laws in the state. By reinforcing the concept of informed consent, the bill aims to protect medical practitioners by providing a clearer legal framework. This could lead to a reduction in frivolous lawsuits and enhance the overall quality of care, as healthcare providers would feel more secure in their practice, knowing that they are complying with established informed consent guidelines. The proposed changes may require amendments to existing protocols within healthcare institutions to ensure compliance.

Summary

House Bill 1152 focuses on the topic of medical professional liability, specifically addressing the requirements surrounding informed consent. The bill seeks to establish clearer guidelines to ensure that patients are adequately informed about the risks and benefits of medical procedures before giving consent. Proponents of the bill argue that it will promote better communication between medical professionals and patients, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and reducing the incidence of liability claims due to misunderstandings about consent.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 1152 appears to be supportive among medical professionals and associations, who view it as a necessary reform that could lead to improved trust between doctors and patients. However, some patient advocacy groups may express concerns regarding the balance of protecting medical professionals while ensuring that patients' rights are upheld. This duality creates a nuanced discussion on how best to achieve patient safety without infringing upon their autonomy.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns from certain legislators and advocacy groups about the potential for the bill to limit patients' awareness and understanding of medical risks. Critics may argue that while standardizing informed consent protocols can be beneficial, there is a risk that it could lead to a checkbox mentality, where the quality of patient interaction is sacrificed for the sake of legal compliance. Additionally, discussions about the adequacy of alternative remedies for patients who may not fully understand the consent process could arise, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies that support both medical practitioners and patients.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB549

In medical professional liability, providing for informed consent in pelvic, rectal and prostate examinations.

PA HB507

In medical professional liability, providing for informed consent in pelvic, rectal and prostate examinations.

PA SB1182

In medical professional liability, further providing for definitions and for expert qualifications.

PA SB340

In medical professional liability, further providing for definitions and for expert qualifications.

PA HB2463

In abortion, further providing for medical consultation and judgment and for informed consent.

PA SB835

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in program, further providing for program established, for confidentiality and public disclosure, for lawful use of medical marijuana and for unlawful use of medical marijuana; in practitioners, further providing for practitioner registration, for practitioner restrictions, for issuance of certification and for duration; in patients, further providing for identification cards, for verification and for contents of identification card; in medical marijuana organizations, further providing for granting of permit, for relocation and for limitations on permits; in medical marijuana controls, further providing for electronic tracking, for grower/processors, for storage and transportation, for laboratory and for prices and providing for recalls; in dispensaries, further providing for dispensing to patients and caregivers and for facility requirements; in tax on medical marijuana, further providing for Medical Marijuana Program Fund; in Medical Marijuana Advisory Board, further providing for advisory board; in research program, further providing for establishment of medical marijuana research program, for medical marijuana research program administration and for approval; in academic clinical research centers and clinical registrants, further providing for legislative findings and declaration of policy, for definitions and for clinical registrants and providing for termination of contract; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for applicability.

PA SB1281

Further providing for definitions, for respiratory therapists, for perfusionist, for genetic counselor and for prosthetists, orthotists, pedorthists and orthotic fitters; providing for medical imaging professionals, radiation therapists, radiologist assistants and trainees; further providing for licenses and certificates and general qualification; repealing provisions relating to radiologic procedures and education and training required; and making a repeal.

PA HB1457

Further providing for definitions; providing for medical loss ratio; and making editorial changes.

PA HB428

In assault, further providing for the offense of aggravated assault and for probable cause arrests in domestic violence cases; repealing provisions relating to abortion; in incapacitated persons, further providing for provisions concerning powers, duties and liabilities; providing for reproductive rights; imposing duties on the Department of Health; and imposing penalties.

PA HB294

In general provisions relating to health care, further providing for applicability, for definitions and for criminal penalties; in living wills, further providing for emergency medical services; in out-of-hospital nonresuscitation, further providing for definitions, for orders, bracelets and necklaces, for revocation, for absence of order, bracelet or necklace and for emergency medical services, repealing provisions relating to advisory committee and providing for discontinuance; and providing for Pennsylvania orders for life-sustaining treatment.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.