1. WASHINGTON STATE’S MEDICAL LIABILITY CRISIS What Can Be Done?

2. THINGS TO KNOW This is not a “doctors” only problem. It affects us all.

3. THINGS TO KNOW Threatens the ability of many physicians to practice medicine. Potentially leaves patients without access to medical care. The lack of affordable liability insurance:

4. American Medical Association says Washington state is in “professional liability crisis”. WHY? Dramatic rise in medical liability insurance costs…that are driven by escalating jury awards and high defense costs. SITUATION CRITICAL

5.  Doctors are limiting services such as obstetrics, trauma care and brain surgery.  Doctors are leaving the state or quitting practice altogether. ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE AT RISK

6.  45% of physicians have reduced or eliminated high-risk services (maternity, surgeries).  Physicians moving out of state increased 38% from 2002 to 2003, according to WSMA. ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE AT RISK

7. Our solution is based on what we know will work – $250,000 cap on non-economic damages. COMMON SENSE SOLUTIONS  Reforms – including a cap – are proven successful in other states.  Texas recently passed reforms including a cap of $250,000 on runaway jury awards.

8. COMMON SENSE SOLUTIONS  Returned more of the award to the injured party.  Returned the money faster to the injured party.  Kept malpractice premiums under control. In California, which has had a cap for nearly 30 years, such reforms have:

9.  We must put pressure on legislators to act. WE NEED YOUR HELP TODAY.  Contact your legislators – two representatives and senator,

10.  Or call 1-800-562-6000 WE NEED YOUR HELP  Also call House leadership and ask them to let there be a vote on this issue that includes a cap on non-economic damages. –Pat Lantz – (360) 786-7964 or lantz_pa@leg.wa.gov lantz_pa@leg.wa.gov –Lynn Kessler – (360) 786-7904 or kessler_ly@leg.wa.gov kessler_ly@leg.wa.gov –Frank Chopp – (360) 786-7920 or chopp_fr@leg.wa.gov chopp_fr@leg.wa.gov http://capwiz.com/wsma