FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 15, 2008

CONTACT:
John Patella
609-395-1785

-- NJ Physicians, an association of the state's medical doctors, applauded Governor Jon Corzine today for not signing the Wrongful Death Bill -- legislation which would have had potentially dire consequences on the state's already beleaguered healthcare system.

The association had testified before legislative committees, spoke with the Governor's staff and organized a phone campaign to voice doctors' concerns that the bill would result in an increasing number of malpractice cases, higher insurance costs and ultimately higher healthcare costs for all New Jerseyans.

Ronald White, M.D., J.D., president of NJ Physicians and a Bergen County surgeon, said the outcome heralds a new era in which physicians and other health care providers will work more closely with the Governor and other policymakers on important healthcare issues.

"We applaud the Governor for rejecting this bill," said Dr. White. "We believe it signifies an opportunity for physicians and policymakers to join together to assure that all New Jersey residents are able to receive the highest quality of medical care at affordable cost."

NJ Physicians is an advocacy organization of physicians across all specialties of medicine. It works closely with business, labor, industry, and other physician and healthcare organizations to improve the quality, accessibility and affordability of healthcare for the citizens of our New Jersey.