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News Release

STATEMENT BY TOMMY G. THOMPSON
Secretary of Health and Human Services
On House Passage of the Medical Liability Reform Legislation

For too long, the threat of excessive awards in medical liability cases has driven up premiums for doctors, which has in turn driven up health care costs for society as a whole. In many cases, doctors have simply stopped practicing in certain areas where liability insurance costs are highest. As a result, individuals and communities across the country are losing access to quality medical care. The HEALTH Act represents a major first step in reducing medical liability insurance costs and increasing access to physicians for the American people. I applaud the House's quick action on this important legislation.

I look forward to working with the Senate to pass complementary legislation this year. Prompt action on medical liability reform is a necessary step to strengthen health care in our country. The American health care consumer, young and old, deserves no less.

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Last Revised: March 14, 2003