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The LSMS Council on Legislation and the Department of Governmental Affairs (DGA) represents the interests of patients, physicians and organized medicine in the Louisiana Legislature, through respected and effective interaction with state lawmakers and other government officials in their executive and regulatory agency responsibilities. In addition, the DGA coordinates federal congressional activities and serves as a liaison on behalf of physicians with state and federal agencies through the AMA Washington office.
Over the years, the DGA staff has been successful in passing and maintaining important medical tort reform. Achievements of particular significance include the formation and continued improvement of the Patient's Compensation Fund and the passage of the Medical Malpractice Act, Act 817 of 1975, which provides for the limitation of liability and the medical review panel process. Staff advocacy efforts have also been extremely successful in increasing reimbursement rates and coverage for Medicaid services and other state and federally funded programs.
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