Okla. Rate Hearing Slated for Nov. 18

Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher announced he
will conduct a hearing Tuesday, Nov. 18, on a rate increase in medical
malpractice insurance rates proposed by Physicians Liability Insurance Co.

Under a recently enacted state law, policyholders impacted by proposed medical malpractice rate changes can request a formal hearing. Several requests have been made for a hearing.

Doctors in many states have experienced high increases in medical
malpractice rates. In an effort to reportedly help reduce such problems in Oklahoma, the Legislature approved reforms to state laws governing medical malpractice. The reform package limits liability in some circumstances.

The hearing is set for 8:30 a.m. Nov. 18 at the Oklahoma Insurance
Department, 2401 NW 23rd, Ste. 28, in Oklahoma City.

Persons wishing to make oral comments at that time must notify the department in writing by Friday, Nov. 14 at 1 p.m. Written comments will be taken until that time as well.