Compromise plan passes House

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The Oklahoma House voted 94-to-5 today for a compromise measure that would allow patients to sue their<br>H-M-O's.<br><br>A floor substitute to Senate Bill 12-oh-six now returns

Tuesday, April 11th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- The Oklahoma House voted 94-to-5 today for a compromise measure that would allow patients to sue their
H-M-O's.

A floor substitute to Senate Bill 12-oh-six now returns to the Senate, where a similar House measure passed a week ago.

The new plan limits punitive damages to 500-thousand dollars, or twice the amount of actual damages. It also requires that a clear-and-convincing standard of evidence be used in such lawsuits.

Oklahoma City state Representative Opio Toure predicts Governor Keating will sign his bill.

Opponents of the plan argued it would lead to increased insurance costs.

Supporters said there is no reason why H-M-O's shouldn't be held legally liable for mistakes.