A bill that would cap medical-malpractice awards cleared the Utah Senate in a 24-1 preliminary vote Tuesday.

Sponsored by Sen. Stuart Adams, R-Layton, SB145 would limit malpractice awards for pain and suffering to $450,000.

Sen. John Valentine, R-Orem, praised Adams for bringing the three major players in those types of lawsuits together in consensus: Utah's Medical Association, Hospital Association and Alliance for Justice.

Valentine also noted that a "stand-down" agreement had been struck with this legislation that would allow a four-year moratorium on any further tort reform. He asked that the agreement be introduced as intent language so it could be enforced.

Adams agreed that he would have that done before the final Senate vote. The agreement, Adams added, would not bind future lawmakers from dealing effectively with health-care-reform issues.

Cathy McKitrick