Pa. Senate votes to extend malpractice subsidy

A unanimous vote yesterday by the Pennsylvania Senate would extend a malpractice-insurance subsidy for doctors and hospitals through next year.

However, the chamber rejected an effort by Democrats to divert a surplus from a malpractice reserve fund to pay for adult health insurance.

Still, the extension of the subsidy may remain in limbo past its Dec. 31 expiration.

Gov. Rendell says he will not approve another year of malpractice aid unless some of the surplus pays to expand the state's adult health insurance program.