Tort reform legislation: can it help hospitals?

Tort reform is not just an esoteric debate for health care executives. On the local level, the medical malpractice liability crisis is having a very real effect on many hospitals. Although malpractice insurance premiums have moderated, access to care is being restricted in communities where obstetricians and family practitioners have decided to give up delivering babies. Nor does the future look any brighter. Experts predict that medical students will shun obstetrical and other high-risk specialties to avoid the high cost of malpractice insurance. On the national level, President Bush has expressed concern that the liability situation is adding to the high cost of health care. And a number of congressmen have responded with legislation.