AMA and MMS

In early 2026, Capplis, Connors, Carroll & Ennis, P.C., was retained by the American Medical Association and the Massachusetts Medical Society to assist in the preparation and submission of an amicus curiae brief in connection with ongoing litigation arising from the Steward Health Care bankruptcy.

We recognize that this is a matter of interest to those involved in medical professional liability, claims administration, risk management, healthcare operations, and physician representation when treatment-related claims are filed.

Although the issues arise from the Steward Health Care bankruptcy, they do not affect only former Steward facilities. Many physicians who previously practiced within the Steward system now practice at healthcare organizations throughout Massachusetts and across the country. The malpractice claims arising from their prior care did not disappear when hospitals were sold, closed, or transferred to new operators.

As a result, the legal and insurance issues raised in the Steward proceedings continue to affect physicians, healthcare systems, insurers, risk managers, and claims professionals responsible for supporting those providers today. Questions concerning defense obligations, settlement funding, indemnification rights, tail coverage, and potential personal exposure may follow physicians long after their departure from Steward-affiliated facilities.

The issues presented extend well beyond the interests of the individual parties. They involve broader questions concerning healthcare delivery, physician protection, professional liability coverage, workforce stability, and the legal and financial structures that support patient access to medical care.

For those interested in learning more about the issues presented, please click here to review the copy of the amicus brief submitted on behalf of the American Medical Association and the Massachusetts Medical Society, together with a brief executive summary highlighting the key issues and potential implications for physicians, insurers, healthcare organizations, and the medical liability community.

We would also like to recognize that this filing was a collaborative effort. Special thanks are due to the outstanding attorneys of the Litigation Center of the American Medical Association and State Medical Societies, the exceptional legal team at the Massachusetts Medical Society, and Attorney Sandra Capplis for their invaluable assistance, insight, and collaboration throughout the preparation of the brief. It was a privilege to work alongside such talented professionals on issues of significant importance to physicians, patients, insurers, and the healthcare system as a whole.

We are honored by the confidence that the American Medical Association and the Massachusetts Medical Society placed in our firm and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important effort.

For more information, please contact us.