Rural Physician Study Committee

 

PURPOSE:      To: (1) examine federal and State programs relating to malpractice insurance pools, and malpractice insurance premium sharing; (2) examine the effect of the cost and availability of malpractice insurance on the practice of obstetrical medicine, and hospitals and community health centers in rural areas of Arizona; and (3) review any other information relating to the availability of obstetrical services in rural areas of Arizona.  The Committee shall submit a written report of its findings and recommendations to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate and the Governor on or before December 31, 2003, and provide a copy of the report to the Secretary of State and the Director of the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records.

 

MEMBERSHIP:

 

House              Two members of the House of Representatives, from different political parties and one designated as Co-Chair, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives:

                        Clark, Poelstra (Co-Chair)

 

Senate              Two members of the Senate, from different political parties and one designated as Co-Chair, appointed by the President of the Senate:

                        Arzberger (Co-Chair), Bee

 

Other               One representative of a malpractice insurer that sells malpractice insurance in Arizona, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives:

                        Dr. Jim Carland, President and CEO, MICA

 

                        One administrator from a hospital that is located in a rural area of Arizona, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives:

                        Mr. Chris Cronberg, Northern Cochise Community Hospital

 

                        One physician who is a licensed doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy, whose primary practice is in rural Arizona and who specializes in obstetrical medicine, appointed by the President of the Senate:

                        Dr. Brian Grogan

 

                        The Director of the Rural Health Office at the University of Arizona or the Director's designee:

                        Ms. Alison Hughes, College of Public Health, University of Arizona

 

 

Notes:              Committee members are not eligible to receive compensation.  The Committee may use the services of legislative staff as required.

 

 

CONTACT: Julie Keane, Senate Research Staff; Pete Wetheim, House Research Staff

REPORT DATE: 12/31/03

EXPIRATION DATE: 12/31/2003

STATUTORY CITE: Laws 2002, Chapter 169