Medical liability reforms enacted by the Texas legislature in 2003 have made it easier to recruit physicians to the state, according to a recent survey by the Texas Medical Association.

Nine in 10 physicians new to the state said the liability climate was important in their decision to begin practicing there. Half of physicians whose liability insurance protection and region were unchanged since 2003 said their annual premiums had dropped by more than 20%. “The results of this survey show that patients truly are the beneficiaries of Texas’ medical liability reforms,” noted Charles Bailey, general counsel for the Texas Hospital Association.

“Because of significant reductions in professional liability premiums and other cost savings, hospitals have been able to invest in patient care programs, health information technology and other enhancements that benefit their communities, instead of defending themselves against frivolous lawsuits.” The Texas Medical Board anticipates a record 4,100 applications for new physician licenses this year, up 34% from 2005