Wisc. Speaker Names Med-Mal Reform Task Force

Wisconsin Assembly Speaker John Gard has named two Milwaukee-area residents as among the five citizens who will serve on Gard’s Task Force on Medical Malpractice Reform.

The task force appointees are: Clyde Chumbley, an obstetrician who is president and chief executive officer of Medical Associates Health Centers in Menomonee Falls; Mary Wolverton, an attorney who specializes in health care at Peterson, Johnson & Murray S.C. in Milwaukee; David Strifling; David Olson, founder of NorthReach Healthcare in Marinette; and Ralph Topinka, vice president and general counsel of Mercy Alliance in Janesville.

Gard (R-Peshtigo) formed the task force in light of a recent ruling by the Wisconsin Supreme Court that lifted caps on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases. Some industry observers contend the ruling will drive up medical malpractice insurance rates in the state.

The task force is being led by state Rep. Curt Gielow (R-Mequon). Other legislators include Assembly Majority Leader Mike Huebsch (R-West Salem), Rep. Ann Nischke (R-Waukesha), Rep. Jason Fields (D-Milwaukee) and Rep. Bob Ziegelbauer (D-Manitowoc).