Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell is expected to veto a measure that would increase the state’s $2 million cap on medical malpractice awards to $2.05 million in 2012, and then by $50,000 a year until 2031.
The measure passed the Senate unanimously and the House 89-7, so it would appear that each chamber would have enough votes to muster the two-thirds majority needed to override the veto.
The administration scheduled a meeting for Tuesday with stakeholders involved with the bill, but it was cancelled.
The Medical Society of Virginia, the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association and the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association wrote a letter to McDonnell encouraging him to sign the legislation.
Del. Dave Albo, R-Fairfax, and Sen. Henry Marsh, D-Richmond, helped the stakeholders work out a compromise on the increase prior to the legislative session.
But the issue often pits the two parties against one another. Republicans have repeatedly lobbied for tort reform and caps on awards while Democrats have generally opposed such limits.
