Why the Issue Matters

Medical liability in the United States is criticized as being costly, inefficient and inconsistent. This broken system is failing both doctors and patients alike. For more than 40 years, numerous reform efforts have failed to pass legislation that contains costs, stabilizes liability insurance premiums, and promotes patient safety. Like all other medical and surgical physicians, urologists are occasionally confronted with the unpleasant realization that they are being sued for medical malpractice. These suits are generated through any number of acts during untold circumstances. As a result, a number of alternative reform propositions, very different from traditional tort reform, are currently being considered for health system implementation in state and federal legislation.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this situation. Health care professionals and facilities risked themselves each day while facing workforce shortages, inadequate safety supplies, and insufficient information or changing guidance from federal, state, and local government officials. And, they continue to be threatened with lawsuits based on circumstances that were beyond their control.

Fast Facts

What the AUA is Doing

Coalition Activity
The AUA are members of the Health Coalition on Liability and Access (HCLA), which is a national advocacy coalition working to enact medical liability reform at the federal level to help reduce health care costs for all Americans and to ensure patient access to quality medical care.