The bill would cap non-economic damages at $250,000 and cap punitive damages at $250,000 or two times the amount of compensatory damages, whichever is greater.

In addition, H.R. 4600 would eliminate joint and several liability in medical malpractice cases, meaning that defendants would be liable only for their own proportionate responsibility for any damages.

Finally, the bill would require plaintiffs to bring medical malpractice actions within three years of the cause of the harm, or within one year of the time the plaintiff discovered or should have discovered the harm, whichever is first.

Rep. James C. Greenwood, R-Pa., who sponsored the legislation, said at a press conference that medical malpractice reform is needed since many consumers are starting to lose access to health care.

"I urge the Senate to act quickly to pass this legislation," Rep. Greenwood said. "These reforms are desperately needed to address the crisis and preserve patients' access to health care."

Karen Ignagni, president of the Washington-based American Association of Health Plans, said H.R. 4600 would help reduce health care costs.

"Across the country, there is a clear mandate among physicians, consumers and health plans to fix the medical malpractice system," Ms. Ignagni said.

"Waves of frivolous lawsuits are forcing doctors out of the medical system, contributing to skyrocketing health care costs, and risking the lives of patients," she said.