Only one resident attended a recent roundtable hearing on Guam’s medical malpractice law, leaving legislators and the public disappointed. The hearing, held by Sen. Will Parkinson, aimed to gather feedback on his proposed amendments to the law but was met with a notable absence of medical professionals.
Joseph Arriola, a resident from Dededo, was the sole attendee and chose to delay his testimony for a future session. “I came here in support of this bill; however, I’m very disappointed that it’s just the four of us,” he expressed to the senators present. Arriola emphasized the importance of having a broader audience for the discussion, stating, “What I have to say should be heard by more people. I will reserve everything for the next hearing. Hopefully, there will be at least 100 or so people.”
In addition to Arriola, Senators Sabrina Salas Matanane and Telo Taitague were present, but the absence of medical community representatives raised concerns. Parkinson noted the lack of engagement from doctors, stating, “I am very disappointed in doctors not showing up today…people of Guam deserve the best health care, their right to a jury trial protected, [and] for questions about their medical outcomes adjudicated.”
The roundtable was intended to foster dialogue regarding the healthcare system, particularly focusing on how to finance medical arbitration for indigent patients. Parkinson expressed a desire for input from healthcare professionals but acknowledged the challenges in drawing them to the conversation. “Maybe the doctors don’t want to have that conversation, but we will try again,” he said.
Sen. Salas Matanane, who chairs the Committee on Health and Veterans’ Affairs, highlighted the need for patients’ voices to remain central in any reform discussions. “Patients who are harmed deserve a process that is fair, accessible, affordable, and capable of delivering justice without unnecessary delay or costs,” she remarked. The proposed Bill 82-38 aims to strengthen patient protections and enhance accountability among healthcare providers.
The hearing also addressed concerns from the judiciary regarding the potential impact of the proposed reforms on court operations. Salas Matanane shared a statement from the Judiciary of Guam, which did not take a position on the bill but expressed apprehension about the feasibility of implementing such changes without sufficient resources. “A minimum one-year implementation period would be needed, even if additional resources were provided,” she noted.
The medical community has previously defended the existing system, arguing that it is essential for maintaining healthcare stability. Critics warn that amendments could result in an increase in lawsuits, elevated costs, and challenges in recruiting healthcare professionals to Guam. Salas Matanane mentioned that physicians had contacted her prior to the hearing, expressing concerns about not being invited to participate.
Taitague suggested that public notices alone may not guarantee attendance from medical professionals, given their demanding schedules. “We should invite them directly to come to the table,” he stated, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive dialogue.
Parkinson countered this perspective, asserting that the absence of doctors indicated a disconnect. “I didn’t realize I needed to go to the doctors and make my obeisance to them for them to show up to a publicly noticed roundtable,” he said, expressing frustration that the medical community had previously called for open discussions yet failed to attend.
The proposed Bill 82-38 seeks to reform the medical malpractice system by restoring direct access to courts while still filtering out unmeritorious claims. Parkinson provided a brief history of medical malpractice legislation in Guam, noting that the current framework was established in 1991 and has remained largely unchanged since.
“Guam’s medical system is at a crossroads,” Parkinson stated. He explained that the original intent of the law was to address concerns over high litigation costs and insurance premiums, yet it has made it increasingly difficult for patients to hold providers accountable. “If we have a system that is skewed to one side too much, it needs to be addressed,” he argued, underscoring the need for fairness in healthcare and legal processes.
As the discussion on medical malpractice reform continues, both lawmakers and residents of Guam await further engagement from the medical community to ensure that all voices are represented in shaping the future of healthcare on the island.