Is not just tort reform

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette editorial writer recently lamented the “significant medication mistakes” in our nursing homes. This was in response to an article in the paper about a watchdog report that found Arkansas nursing homes had much higher rates than other states.

This is tragic, but I find it ironic that the editorial writer wrote on Feb. 17 in favor of the “tort reform” portion of Senate Joint Resolution 8 that will be on our ballots in 2018. This resolution will cap non-economic awards in jury cases to $500,000. From the text of the resolution: “‘Non-economic damages’ means damages that cannot be measured in money, including without limitation any loss or damage, however characterized, for pain and suffering, mental and emotional distress, loss of life or companionship, or visible result of injury.” Calling it tort reform suggests it is only limiting attorney’s fees, but it limits punitive damages too for negligence or incompetence. Medication mistakes would surely qualify.

The editorial mentioned the sad story of the passing of 65-year-old Linda Cooper due to getting the wrong medication, but apparently feels that her family’s pain and suffering is only worth $500,000. So do the senators who voted for SJR8—but the Arkansas voters can vote no in 2018. Don’t fall for the lie that this is just tort reform.

MICHAEL P. VINING

Benton