MALPRACTICE CAP: Davis Avoids ‘Risky’ Approach
Gov. Gray Davis' comments Saturday about the "touchy" issue of changing the state's malpractice cap show in part that he intends to "pursue a risk-averse, don't-rock-the-boat governorship," Sacramento Bee/Capitol Alert columnist Dan Walters writes. Appearing on a radio talk show Saturday, Davis "chilled" trail lawyers' hopes for a large increase in the $250,000 cap, saying he would agree to an increase only if doctors got something they want, such as "more control on how to treat patients" in HMOs. "In tying the malpractice issue to the even more complicated matter of HMO reform, Davis increases the odds against a change in the status quo," writes Walters, who adds that trial lawyers are also hoping to gain the right to sue HMOs (3/16).
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