The Canadian Medical Protective Association has finalized its inaugural regionally based annual dues structure for 2001, but some specialists may still be shocked to learn their new rates despite CMPA efforts to prepare them for the worst. The vast majority of Canadian doctors, however, will pay much less than that. Officials representing the CMPA's 58,000 members say the drastic adjustment of going to a regional system of fees was necessary in light of significant differences in the cost of providing medical malpractice insurance protection to doctors in various regions of the country. We didn't do this to annoy people. The issue needs to be addressed.
Dues have to reflect what the true costs are.
Based on actuarial results, rates in Ontario will rise substantially because of the relatively more litigious nature of practice in that province and larger court awards and settlements. The CMPA has promised to continue working with the OMA and the Ontario government to improve risk management measures and introduce tort reform legislation. Tort reform measures could include legislated structured settlements, elimination of subrogation and streamlining the defense process to rationalize court decisions in malpractice cases. Without these changes the CMPA believes Ontario doctors will remain vulnerable to unchecked malpractice costs and fluctuations in the CMPA's investment portfolio. By 2004, Ontario members may be faced with markedly higher fees.