February 22, 2006

Having fought each other to a draw last year in the epic Battle of the Ballot Propositions, doctors and trial lawyers in Washington state have agreed on a relatively modest legislative package of reforms to the state's medical liability system, which Gov. Christine Gregoire is expected to sign. Among the changes, the bill would provide for voluntary binding arbitration; protect apologies by doctors; "require lawyers to certify cases as non-frivolous, subject to fines; and leave the use of expert witnesses unlimited."