MO HB1204

Effective January 1, 2012, all insurers providing medical malpractice insurance in Missouri must establish premium rates based on average judgments awarded in medical malpractice cases in the provider's county during the immediately preceding calendar year.

If fewer than four medical malpractice cases occurred in the prior calendar year, insurers must use the average of judgments from the preceding five-year period in that county.

If fewer than four cases exist in the five-year period, insurers must use the average of judgments from the preceding calendar year in a county of similar population, diversity of practice, and size and type of practice.

For providers practicing in multiple counties, premium rates must be adjusted based on the percentage of the provider's practice conducted in each county.

"Health care provider" includes physicians, dentists, nurses, hospitals, nursing homes, and other specified healthcare professionals, but excludes faith-based nursing facilities relying solely on spiritual treatment.