Lawmakers Cut Pay Boost From Witness Fee Bill

Members of a Florida legislative committee took the ax to a provision that would have boosted physician and surgeon payments before passing a measure that would boost witness fees by 50%. Under current law, a health care provider who gives a deposition is allowed a witness fee of up to $200 an hour. House Bill 1299, by Rep. Dan Daley, D-Coral Springs, would increase the maximum hourly fee to $300. At the same time, Florida law allows an expert witness who never provided direct patient services to a party but who only reviewed medical records and provided an expert opinion, or who has pr...