Comanche County hospital appeals malpractice rate increase

<br>(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The Comanche County Hospital Authority is appealing an increase in medical malpractice rates by Physicians Liability Insurance Company. <br><br>State Insurance Commissioner Carroll

Thursday, December 11th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The Comanche County Hospital Authority is appealing an increase in medical malpractice rates by Physicians Liability Insurance Company.

State Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher has approved a plan allowing Physicians to increase malpractice insurance rates during the next three years. The rates are to increase by 39-and-a-half percent on January first, 15 percent in 2005 and another 14 percent in 2006.

The hospital authority says Fisher's decision was unconstitutional, exceeds his authority and is an erroneous application of the law.

Physicians is the largest provider of malpractice insurance in the state, providing coverage to more than 80% of all state physicians.