Committee OKs comprehensive malpractice plan

A House committee on Friday backed what proponents are calling this session's most important plan to address the state's medical malpractice situation.

But the proposal is already in question, despite the House speaker's support, said one of the bill's architects, because Senate opposition could kill the careful reforms.

The bill would make it more difficult for health insurers to increase premiums, require neutral experts to testify in court cases, protect physicians' private apologies and continue the state's study of malpractice issues.

After a tense discussion, the House Judiciary Committee voted almost unanimously...