The bill proposes the repeal of Section 9-19-34.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 9-19, which pertains to the collateral source rule in medical malpractice actions. This section previously allowed defendants in personal injury cases against licensed physicians, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers to introduce evidence of any benefits received by the plaintiff from various sources, including state income disability or workers' compensation acts, health insurance, and accident insurance. It also stipulated that if such evidence was presented, the jury would be instructed to reduce the damage award by the difference between the total benefits received and the amount the plaintiff paid to secure those benefits.

By repealing this section, the bill eliminates the ability of defendants to use collateral source evidence in medical malpractice cases, thereby changing how damages are calculated and awarded in these legal actions. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
3189: 9-19-34.1