[naviga:h3]Insurer to sue if Pa. takes money[/naviga:h3]

HARRISBURG — An organization created by state law to offer medical malpractice insurance is threatening to sue if Pennsylvania state government tries to take $200 million from it.

The nonprofit Pennsylvania Professional Liability Joint Underwriting Association said Monday that the state doesn’t own the money and has no right to seize it.

The association sued in federal court to block the state from borrowing that amount in the recently ended fiscal year to help balance its deficit-riddled budget. Legislation passed by the Senate last week would abolish the association if it doesn’t hand over $200 million by Nov. 1.

[naviga:h3]Doctors sign up to prescribe pot[/naviga:h3]

HARRISBURG — Physicians who want to be registered to prescribe medical marijuana in Pennsylvania can now sign up through the state Health Department.

Officials say the first step for doctors is to complete a practitioner registry , an online process available on the health department’s website.

There’s a requirement that doctors complete four hours of training.

Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program is expected to be up and running sometime next year.

It’s open to state residents under a doctor’s care who suffer from a list of medical conditions.