Opinion Pieces Face Off Over Prop. 46
Two Sacramento Bee opinion pieces address Proposition 46, which would increase the state's $250,000 limit on pain-and-suffering awards in malpractice lawsuits and require doctors to undergo random drug-testing. Bob Pack, the main proponent of Prop. 46, argues that the measure is essential to protecting patient safety. However, Paul Phinney -- who was chief of pediatrics at two Kaiser Permanente facilities in the Sacramento area and the immediate past president of the California Medical Association -- argues that Prop. 46 "would increase costs and limit Californians' access to the doctors they know and trust."
- "Viewpoints: Prop. 46 Will Protect Patients" (Pack, Sacramento Bee, 9/26).
- "Viewpoints: Prop. 46 Will Raise Health Costs" (Phinney, Sacramento Bee, 9/26).