Abstract:
Does state tort reform affect physician supply? Tort reformers certainly believe so. Before Texas adopted tort reform in 2003, proponents claimed that physicians were deserting Texas in droves. After tort reform was enacted, proponents claimed there had been a dramatic increase in physicians moving to Texas due to the improved liability climate. We find no evidence to support either claim. Physician supply was not measurably stunted prior to reform, and did not measurably improve after reform. This is true whether one looks at all patient care physicians in Texas or at high-malpractice-risk specialties.
Hyman, David A., Silver, Charles M. and Black, Bernard S., Does Tort Reform Affect Physician Supply? Evidence from Texas (April 28, 2012). Northwestern Law & Econ Research Paper; Illinois Program in Law, Behavior and Social Science Paper; U of Texas Law, Law and Econ Research Paper.
First posted 2012-04-30 18:14:24
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