New York delays decision on medical malpractice rates

NEW YORK—Acting New York Insurance Superintendent Kermitt Brooks on Wednesday said he will delay setting medical malpractice rates until the state Senate can weigh the issue.

The New York Assembly recently approved freezing medical malpractice insurance rates for another year, but the state Senate has yet to vote on the proposal.

The New York State Insurance Department, which usually sets medical malpractice rates in July, said in a statement that the rates will be retroactive to July 1 once rates for 2009-2010 are determined.