A NECESSARY COMPROMISE Last week the citizens of Maryland witnessed democracy in action as lawmakers responded to a crisis in access to healthcare brought about by skyrocketing medical malpractice insurance premiums. This crisis is real and the fact that lawmakers called a Special Session at this time of the year signifies that the time has come to resolve it. To outside observers, not familiar with the political process, the events of the week appeared contentious, partisan and, at times, chaotic. They belied the fact, that many months of effort had been invested by lawmakers and other concerned citizens in thoughtful exploration of the complex issues that caused the crisis. Many solutions had been proposed to solve it. Senate President Miller, Speaker Busch, Governor Ehrlich, their staffs and all who struggled with this problem deserve our thanks for their efforts and commitment to resolving this problem. The product of their effort is a compromise bill passed by a majority of the lawmakers in the General Assembly. It is not a perfect bill. It does not solve all the problems that coalesced at this time to bring us to this point. The crisis evolved over years and all issues cannot be completely resolved in just a few days of arduous work by lawmakers of disparate viewpoints. It is not the bill any one wanted, but it is the bill that will diffuse this crisis for now. Work must continue to address the remaining significant problems. If the problems are not addressed the crisis will return when some provisions of this bill expire in just four years. The surgical community urges Governor Ehrlich to sign this bill. Though his objections to the funding source for it may be valid, they do not justify dismissing the tort reform and other measures it contains. Should he decide to veto it, we urge the General Assembly to override the veto as soon a possible. Without a doubt, this bill is a compromise for all concerned, but a necessary one. Passing it will at least allow physicians to return to caring for their patients and give lawmakers time to address the issues that remain. Scott E. Maizel, MD, FACS President, Maryland Chapter American College of Surgeons Jan 3, 2005 Office Tel (410) 574-5720 Fax (410) 574-5786