Georgia has More Than 2,500 Uninsured Doctors

A newspaper analysis of state data has found more than 2,500 doctors in Georgia don’t have malpractice insurance.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that can leave patients with little recourse if something goes wrong.

The newspaper reports that dozens of the uninsured doctors have been disciplined by the state medical board for sexual misconduct, illegal drug use, patient deaths and other serious offenses.

The American Medical Association says 18 states have laws making malpractice insurance mandatory or providing other ways to compensate patients who’ve suffered harm. Acupuncturists are the only health care professionals required by Georgia law to have liability insurance.

The Medical Association of Georgia told the newspaper it encourages doctors to carry malpractice insurance and noted hospitals and health insurers in Georgia require doctors to be insured.