ALERT

No Court decision today on IPFCF lawsuit

Oral arguments were held today in the Society’s lawsuit to overturn the State’s raid on the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund, and the Society is optimistic that the State will be ordered to restore the $200 million taken plus interest. Dane County Circuit Court Judge Michael Nowakowski could have ruled on the matter today, but chose to defer his decision; no specific date was indicated.

“The Fund’s assets are not general revenue. These dollars are held in a trust for the benefit of injured patients, their families and contributing health care professionals,” said Society President Steven Bergin, MD. “The Fund is not a piggy bank the State can tap into.”

Watch future issues of Medigram for more information. The Society filed suit last October following enactment of legislation that took $200 million from the Fund to help balance the state’s budget. Society member David Hoffmann, MD, of Mauston joined the suit as an individual plaintiff in February.

Meanwhile, members are encouraged to continue to educate colleagues, patients, community members and their local media about the IPFCF raid. Information, including the Society-prepared video and FAQ flyer are available at this link, along with copies of court documents, press releases and additional background information.

If you have questions about today’s ruling, please plan to attend one of the IPFCF Lawsuit update meetings being held around the state. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept 2 in Madison at Society headquarters at 7:30 p.m. A Sept 10 meeting is scheduled in La Crosse at the home of Erik Gunderson at 7 p.m. and additional meetings are being planned in October in the Milwaukee and Green Bay areas. If you would like to attend one of these meetings, please contact Kendi Parvin for additional information. If you are unable to attend a meeting in your area, you may contact Ruth Heitz. Please include your telephone number in the e-mail message.