Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report: Friday, January 6

Jan 6, 2012

 

To go directly to the section of your choice, click on a hyperlink below.  Other hyperlinks to meeting information, bills and news are noted in bold type.

 

 

 

Daily Florida Insurance-Related Events


There are no insurance-related events scheduled for today.

 

 

Daily Florida Insurance-Related Bills Filed for 2012

 

SB 1518 Relating to Property and Casualty Insurance by Senator Alan Hays

SB 1518 would delete a requirement that the Florida Financial Services Commission provide an annual report to the Florida Legislature consisting of specified data and analysis related to the aggregate net probable maximum losses, financing options, and potential assessments of the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund and Citizens Property Insurance Corporation. Effective Date:  July 1, 2012

 

HB 1233 Relating to Compensation for Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Arising Out of Medical Injury by State Representative Jimmy Patronis                        

HB 1233 would provide an exclusive remedy for personal injury or wrongful death arising out of medical injury.  The bill also would create a Patient Compensation System.  HB 1233 would provide for various offices and committees and independent medical review panels.  In addition, HB 1233 would prohibit certain conflicts of interest, provide a process for filing applications and provide for disposition of applications.  It also would provide for determination of compensation when there is sufficient proof of medical injury and provide that compensation shall be offset by any past and future collateral source payments.  Further, HB 1233 would provide for determinations of malpractice for purposes of specified constitutional provision and provide for review of appeals by an administrative law judge.  The bill also would require annual contributions from specified providers and require an annual report and provide applicability.  Effective Date: upon becoming a law.

 

SB 1506 Relating to Medical Malpractice by Senator John Thrasher

SB 1506 would provide that the claimant has the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that the actions of a health care provider represented a breach of the prevailing professional standard of care in an action for damages based on death or personal injury which alleges that the death or injury resulted from the failure of a health care provider to order, perform or administer supplemental diagnostic tests.  The bill also would require that the Florida Department of Health (“Department”) issue an emergency order suspending the license of any licensee under the Department’s jurisdiction who fails to indemnify the state or enter into a repayment agreement.  SB 1506 also would provide for disciplinary action for licensees in the Division of Medical Quality Assurance of the Department.  Effective Date:  July 1, 2012

 

 

Daily Insurance-Related News

 

Florida Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Risk-Transfer Could Include Private Reinsurance Market, Catastrophe Bond

Florida Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is considering the use of private reinsurance, and its risk-transfer plan this year could also include the issuance of its first catastrophe bond.

 

Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate Robin Westcott Adds Insurance Expert and Long-Time Legislative Staffer to Team

Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate Robin Westcott announced today the addition to her staff of Brian Deffenbaugh, an attorney, insurance expert and long-time legislative staffer.

 

Ex-Hernando County administrator’s sinkhole not yet fixed 

Former County Administrator David Hamilton, who filed for tax relief last summer because of suspected sinkhole activity, has not yet begun any repairs on his property.

 

Opinion:  Seismic reform needed for Catastrophe Fund

Looking back on 2011, Florida thankfully avoided a hurricane landfall for an unprecedented sixth consecutive year.

 

Colodny Fass’s Katie Scott Webb:  Should Florida Change its No-fault Auto Insurance Law?

It is critical for the Florida Legislature to pass comprehensive and meaningful Personal Injury Protection reform during 2012.

 

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi sues 2 foreclosure rescue firms, owner

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi says two West Palm Beach companies have been defrauding homeowners who are in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure.

 

Judicial Qualifications Commission  to keep eye on Former 1st  District Court Judge Paul Hawkes

Former 1st District Court Judge Paul Hawkes’ November resignation from the bench was effective Wednesday.

 

Fewer Florida consumer complaints resolved in 2011

Violating the state’s do-not-call list was the top source of complaints to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs.

 

Miami Chamber of Commerce breaks with state board, endorses casinos

The largest business group in the region says casinos will mean more tourism, more jobs and a help along the way to a better economy.

 

Florida Governor Rick Scott employs Facebook to help promote state

Governor Rick Scott posted a request on Facebook asking Floridians for success stories to use when talking to companies either planning on expanding or relocating to the state.

 

Insurer Sues Google in Alabama Over Unflattering Search Results

An insurer is hoping to use an Alabama state law governing deceptive trade practices to stop Google from prominently displaying negative websites about the company.

 

Allstate Files $1.1 Million Fraud Case Against New York Chiropractor Businesses

Allstate Insurance is seeking to recover more than $1.1 million from 16 New York-area defendants.

 

 

 

 

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