The Ontario government, Ontario Medical Association and Canadian Medical Protective Association hammered out a 3-year agreement in July that ensures Ontario doctors will remain under the CMPA umbrella. Many were concerned that the OMA would go its own way in providing malpractice coverage because of the CMPA‚s decision to introduce regional rating (see CMAJ 2000;163[2]:201). ”We‚re all anxious to make this work,” said a relieved Dr. John Gray, secretary-treasurer of the CMPA. Although CMPA fees will increase in Ontario, the 45% rise introduced by regional rating will now be spread over 3 years. The increase could conceivably be less than that because of savings brought about by the agreement, which calls on the government to consider introducing tort-reform legislation. Gray said that may prove to be one of the key benefits of regional rating: ”I think the government now clearly understands that tort reform can provide substantial benefits.” In 2000, CMPA fees in Ontario totalled $84 million, with the province paying about $60 million of that.
Signature
Patrick Sullivan
CMAJ