Malpractice reform

The continuing debate over malpractice claims against physicians has led to widespread efforts to reform state laws affecting these claims. The most common changes have been: limitations on size of awards; shortening the statute of limitations; abolition of the collateral source rule; proscription of ad damnum clauses for damages; limitation of contingency fees; the establishment of screening panels; and the use of arbitration. Inevitably, optometrists and other health care practitioners have also benefitted from these changes, which serve to lessen the likelihood of malpractice claims or to limit their effects. Optometrists continue to be among the least-sued practitioners in health care.