York County Medicine Summer 2019 - 33

YO R K C O M E D S O C . O R G

IN THE NEWS:

April 4, 2019
Venue Rule
Background
* On Dec. 22, 2018, the Pa. Supreme Court Civil Procedural Rules Committee (Committee)
published a proposed rule change in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, which would revise the venue rule
(the county in which a case may be filed) for medical liability cases.
* By allowing venue in counties with little to no relation to the underlying cause of action, claimants
could shop for verdict-friendly venues in which to file their suits.
* The Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) mobilized a movement through stakeholder
involvement to flood the Committee with comments. PAMED formed a coalition of 42 state-based
organizations who oppose the proposed venue rule changes.
* There is strength in numbers - 2,560 physicians, patients, and other stakeholders submitted
comments directly to the Committee through PAMED's online form. PAMED thanks all physicians
who submitted personal comments.
* PAMED submitted a 101-page report to the Committee.
* Senate Resolution 20 was approved by the Pa. Senate on Feb. 5, 2019. It calls for a study to review
several aspects and impact of previous medical liability reforms, which will enable a more measured
approach to any future changes to rules governing venue in medical liability actions.

Current Status
* The Pa. Supreme Court has agreed to accept the recommendations of Senate Resolution 20 and
delay its decision on the proposal in order to await further study by the Pa. Legislative Budget and
Finance Committee (LBFC) of potential effects of venue rule changes. The report is due no later than
Jan. 1, 2020.

The fight isn't over and it's still vital for physicians to
voice opposition to venue rule changes.
Next Steps
* All physicians are encouraged to meet with legislators to discuss how the proposed venue rule
changes would affect medicine and specifically their practice. Personal stories will help to keep this
issue front of mind for legislators while the LBFC drafts its report. Find your local legislators and
resources for a legislative visit at www.pamedsoc.org/VenueRule.
Continued on page 34

SUMMER 2019 | York County Medicine

http://www.YORKCOMEDSOC.ORG http://www.pamedsoc.org/VenueRule

York County Medicine Summer 2019

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