February 21, 2025 by matray

The Doctors Company, part of TDC Group, announced today the promotion of Laura Kline, MBA, CPCU, CIC, to regional operating officer of the Northeast Region.

In her new role, Kline will drive operational excellence across the 26 states located in the Northeast Region and lead teams including Business Development, Underwriting, Claims, and Patient Safety and Risk Management in enhancing member experiences. She is replacing Tammy Clark, who is leaving the company.

Ms. Kline currently serves as senior vice president of business development for TDC Group, with oversight of the national business development team, sales, distribution, agency management, and affinity programs.

"I am thrilled to congratulate Laura on her expanded role at The Doctors Company," said Deepika Srivastava, chief operating officer of The Doctors Company. "She has been a key contributor to our growth and success, serving in many executive roles following an acquisition over 15 years ago. Her extensive experience in healthcare and professional liability insurance and her proven leadership make her very well suited to drive continued excellence in our Northeast Region."

Kline joined the company in 2011 following the acquisition of American Physicians Assurance, where she served as vice president of marketing and president of the alternative risk transfer subsidiary.

"I am very excited to lead the Northeast Region, oversee operational excellence, and ensure growth as we advance, protect, and reward the practice of good medicine," Kline said. "We will continue to serve and advocate for all healthcare professionals as a strong partner for this robust region."

February 14, 2025 by matray

MagMutual Insurance Co. announced a 2.5% dividend return to its policy owners for this year.

With this latest declaration, MagMutual now has awarded 26 years of dividends throughout its company history. During that time, the company has returned $468 million in financial rewards to policyholders since inception, including $167 million paid over the past five years.

“Our impressive record of continuously paying dividends year-over-year is one of the many ways we put our policyholders first,” said William S. Kanich, MD, JD, executive chairperson of MagMutual. “This year marks our 18th consecutive year of dividends and 26th year overall. I’m proud that MagMutual continues to return dividends to the healthcare providers who trust us to protect them.”

”MagMutual demonstrates a high rate of financial strength and growth in our industry. This strength has allowed us to dependably declare dividends for the past 18 years,” said Neil Morrell, chief executive officer of MagMutual. “Our record of supporting policyholders with innovative insurance solutions, risk management services and financial rewards continues to be unmatched.”

February 12, 2025 by matray

LAMMICO was named one of the "Best and Brightest Companies to Work For" in the Nation for 2024 by the National Association for Business Resources. The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For identifies and honors companies that deliver exceptional employment practices and demonstrate an impressive commitment to their employees. An independent research firm assessed the winners, based on categories such as work-life blend, community initiatives and corporate responsibility, employee education and development, diversity, retention and more. This honor marks the tenth time that LAMMICO has received the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation designation since 2015.

“Receiving this designation demonstrates the strengths and talents of the team here at LAMMICO. I am thrilled that the Company and its employees are being honored for all that we do for our customers, communities and each other,” said J. Michael Conerly, MD, LAMMICO president and chief executive officer. “We work together toward our shared purpose of protecting those who care for others, and this award celebrates our efforts and achievements.”

LAMMICO is headquartered in Metairie, Louisiana, and has offices in Baton Rouge and Shreveport.

February 7, 2025 by matray

Below are some headlines and article synopses from the February 2025 issue of Medical Liability Monitor. To read the articles in their entirety, please subscribe today.

Oregon Supreme Court to Determine MPL Limits in Non-Patient’s Death
The Oregon Supreme Court last month heard oral arguments in a case seeking to define the limits of medical professional liability in situations involving non-patient third parties. The case, Stone v. Witt, involves Shantel Witt, who, while impaired by prescribed medication, crashed her car into bicyclist Marika Stone. Witt was subsequently convicted of first-degree manslaughter, driving under the influence of intoxicants, unlawful possession of oxycodone and unlawful possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance. She was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison. In addition to suing Witt for civil damages, Stone’s estate filed medical negligence claims against Nancy Brennan, DO, and her employer St. Charles Health System, Inc.; Kevin Rueter, MD, and his employer High Desert Personal Medicine, LLC; and Walgreen Co., doing business as Walgreens Pharmacy …

California AG Issues Advisory on use of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a legal advisory last month to healthcare entities that develop, sell or use artificial intelligence (AI) regarding their obligations under California law. The advisory — Application of Existing California Law to Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare — provides specific guidance for healthcare providers, insurers, vendors, investors and other entities involved in the development, sale and use of AI and automated decision-making systems …

New Mexico Leaders Push for MedMal Reform to Address Physician Shortage
The Democratic governor of New Mexico and the state’s House Republican caucus independently announced last month that addressing medical professional liability costs to attract more healthcare workers to the state would be a priority during the 2025 legislative session. Healthcare workers were identified as the top occupational need in 28 of New Mexico’s 33 counties, according to the most recent data …

Georgia Gov. Kemp Names Tort Reform Top Priority, Threatens to Call Special Session If General Assembly Fails to Act
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp used his recent State of the State Address to declare tort reform his top legislative priority for the year, warning lawmakers that he would call a special session if they failed to pass legislation curbing the rising costs of civil liability awards. While Gov. Kemp’s office had yet to release specific policy proposals by press time, the insurance commissioner’s report resulting from the Data Analysis for Tort Reform Act — which the governor referenced in his address — provides insight into how the General Assembly might proceed …

Massachusetts High Court Rejects Appeal on ‘High-Low’ Agreement Bias
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court last month upheld a trial judge’s decision to deny a medical malpractice defendant’s request to cross-examine witnesses about a “high-low” settlement agreement reached by two other defendants. High-low agreements set minimum and maximum amounts a defendant will pay the plaintiff prior to the jury rendering a verdict …

Federal Agencies Warn of Private Equity’s Increasing Role in Healthcare
The Federal Trade Commission, Department of Justice and Department of Health & Human Services published a joint report last month detailing concerns about the “new and unique” risks associated with the increasing role of private equity in healthcare delivery. The report, titled “Consolidation in Healthcare Markets Request for Information,” urges the U.S. Congress and state lawmakers to implement stricter oversight, including lowering the financial threshold for reporting mergers and expanding transparency rules for ownership structures in healthcare facilities …

Women, Minorities Bear the Brunt of Medical Misdiagnoses
An estimated 795,000 patients a year die or are permanently disabled because of misdiagnosis. Some patients are at higher risk than others. Women and racial / ethnic minorities are 20% to 30% more likely than white men to experience a misdiagnosis …

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