Doctors Lobby for Higher Fees in New Insurance Law
A meeting of longshoremen and medical professionals in Tacoma reveals that the new state compensation act is being used to settle professional grievances.
A meeting was held in Tacoma on May 6th, under the auspices of the State Medical Association, to discuss the state compensation act. While intended to address worker compensation, the meeting quickly turned into a forum for doctors to advocate for their own remuneration. Resolutions were adopted seeking $2.50 for accident reports, $5.00 for special examinations, and the removal of a $10.00 cap on expert testimony. Concurrently, delegates from the International Longshoremen's Union discussed organizational growth and the challenges of federal admiralty laws versus state jurisdiction.
“Early developments showed plainly that the principal purpose of the meeting was to consider compensation for doctors rather than for injured workmen.”
This meeting highlights a classic 'regulatory capture' scenario where the medical profession successfully lobbied for fee structures within a landmark social insurance program. It serves as a reminder that the implementation of social safety nets is always subject to the competing interests of professionals and the working class.
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