DeSantis to Veto Medical Malpractice Bill

Introduction to the Bill

DeSantis said Thursday he will veto a bill that seeks to expand lawsuits by some people pursuing medical-malpractice claims involving the deaths of family members. The proposal (HB 6017) aims to repeal a long-controversial 1990 law, allowing people to expand economic damage claims to include non-economic damages.

Concerns Over the Proposal

DeSantis expressed concerns that the proposal will cause insurance premiums to “skyrocket” by allowing people to expand economic damage claims to include non-economic damages. “What that is going to do, is that’s going to lead to a flood of lawsuits against practitioners, against hospitals. Malpractice premiums are going to go up,” DeSantis said during an event in Dade City. He relied upon input from people at health care hospitals and physicians, stating, “It was pretty overwhelming in terms of the concern.”

Current Law and Proposed Changes

Under the 1990 law, people who are 25 years old or older cannot seek what are known as “non-economic” damages in medical-malpractice cases involving deaths of their parents. Also, parents cannot seek such damages in malpractice cases involving the deaths of their children who are 25 or older. The bill, which the governor has not received yet, was strongly supported during the 2025 legislative session by people who allege their family members were killed by medical malpractice.

Opposition and Alternative Solutions

Health-care and business groups have lobbied against the bill. Lawmakers could revisit the issue, as DeSantis suggested putting limits on monetary awards. “What I suggested that was done — I know there was some support for it in the Senate — is that if you had caps on the amount of damages, people could see that and would disincentivize a lot of jackpot justice,” DeSantis said. Damage caps have been a lightning-rod issue for decades, with health-care groups backing such limits and plaintiffs’ attorneys fighting them.

Supporters’ Perspective

Supporters of the repeal have said the law prevents people from getting justice for deaths caused by medical malpractice. “This is a 35-year-old law that needs to be repealed. … It’s unjust. It shouldn’t be on the books,” Senate bill sponsor Clay Yarborough, R-Jacksonville, said before the Senate voted 33-4 to pass the bill on May 1. The House approved the measure in a 104-6 vote on March 26.

Conclusion

The veto of the medical malpractice bill by DeSantis reflects the ongoing debate between providing justice for victims of medical malpractice and controlling insurance premiums. The issue is likely to be revisited, with potential alternatives such as damage caps being considered.

FAQs

• Q: What is the main purpose of the bill that DeSantis plans to veto?
  A: The bill aims to expand lawsuits by allowing people to pursue non-economic damages in medical-malpractice cases involving the deaths of family members.
• Q: Why does DeSantis plan to veto the bill?
  A: DeSantis believes the bill will cause insurance premiums to increase and lead to a flood of lawsuits against healthcare practitioners and hospitals.
• Q: What alternative solution has DeSantis suggested?
  A: DeSantis has suggested implementing caps on the amount of damages to disincentivize excessive lawsuits.
• Q: What are non-economic damages in medical-malpractice cases?
  A: Non-economic damages refer to compensation for intangible losses such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress, as opposed to economic damages which cover tangible losses like medical expenses and lost income.
• Q: How have supporters of the bill responded to DeSantis’ decision?
  A: Supporters argue that the current law is unjust and prevents people from getting justice for deaths caused by medical malpractice, emphasizing the need for its repeal.