By Jeff Williams, WSIU
Carbondale, Ill. – A southern Illinois state senator says the governor is expected to sign medical malpractice reform legislation next week.
Senator Dave Luechtefeld says he's been told Governor Rod Blagojevich will sign the controversial bill on Monday in Alton.
The Okawville Republican says he disagrees with critics who say the legislation won't work.
"This was a significant piece of legislation, and anyone who says it wasn't I really don't think they know the bill and what's in it," Luechtefeld said.
The legislation will put in place a cap on non-economic damages for both hospitals and physicians as well as bolster professional oversight of doctors.
The revisions also require medical liability insurance providers to make their malpractice rates more transparent.
The governor's office has yet to confirm the bill signing.