ESPC Home | 2005 LAP* Book | Background | Legislator Profiles | Key Votes | LAP* Book Home
Numeric List Budget Accountability Health & Human Services Justice System Education State Employees Taxation & Revenue Wildlife & Environment Worker & Public Safety Tribal Affairs Senior Citizens	SF 78: Medical Malpractice Insurance 2005 General Session Sponsor: Joint Labor, Health and Social Services Interim Committee Legislator votes by regions Big Horn Basin Casper-Area Cheyenne-Area Gillette-Area Lander/Riverton-Area Northeast/East Central Sheridan-Area South Central Southwest West Central          SF 78 increased regulation of medical malpractice insurance in Wyoming. The bill was identical to 2004 legislation that had almost no opposition but died (after passing the Senate and the House Labor Committee) when it was not scheduled for a floor vote in the House.          SF 78 required public hearings for proposed rate increases, limited the amount by which an insured person's rate could vary, and limited the amount an insurance company could charge for extended reporting coverage.          SF 78 increased notice periods for policy cancellation or premium increases to at least 90 days.          Wyoming statutes state that the Insurance Commissioner may regulate insurance rates if the unregulated market is a non-competitive market, and if regulation will reduce rates without substantially curtailing the availability of insurance in that market.          Supporters of SF 78 believed that the additional regulation it brought to medical malpractice insurance rates might help address the problems that Wyoming doctors have experienced as a result of large increases in malpractice insurance rates in recent years.          Opposition to the bill was minimal, with only one legislator voting against it. The bill passed all committees unanimously, and passed the full Senate unanimously. Representative Jack Landon (R-H30, Sheridan) cast the single NO vote in the House.