SECTION 1.  Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, there is hereby established a special task force to study the prevalence, cost, and patient-safety issues relating to the practice of defensive medicine in the Commonwealth.  The task force shall investigate and report on the practice of defensive medicine in the Commonwealth, including costs to the state and insurers as a result of this practice, negative consequences arising out of the practice of defensive medicine and the impact of defensive medicine on patient care and safety.  The task force shall also develop and recommend strategies to reduce the impact of defensive medicine.

The task force shall be comprised of 15 members, including the House and Senate Chairs of the Joint Committee on Health Care, who shall serve as co-chairs of the task force; the House and Senate Chairs of the Joint Committee on Insurance; the House and Senate Chairs of the Joint Committee on Health Care Finance; a Senate member recommended by the Senate President; a Senate member of the minority party recommended by the minority leader of the Senate; a House member recommended by the Speaker of the House; a House member of the minority party recommended by the minority leader of the House; the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health or his designee; the dean of the University of Massachusetts Medical School; and one representative from each of the following organizations: the Massachusetts Hospital Association; the Massachusetts Medical Society and the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans.  Said task force shall file a report of its study, including its recommendations and drafts of any legislation, if necessary, with the clerks of the Senate and House of Representatives within one year of the effective date of this act.