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Talk of the Town
Policymakers should address medical malpractice rules
I read with interest and appreciation the Journal's coverage of New Mexico's malpractice fee crisis ( Lawmakers eye medical malpractice measure intended to trim attorney fees,' March 2, 2025). As a physician and as a patient, I have observed over the last 19 years of practice (most of it in rural areas) that it is getting harder and harder to access care and to recruit physicians here. Although there are many reasons (including underperforming schools, scarcity of child care and crime) a major reason is our approach to malpractice. SB176 can help address this.
As described by state Sen. Martin Hickey, SB 176 would cap lawyer’s fees in medical malpractice cases; end upfront lump-sum payouts to patient in lieu of better protecting their care needs in the future; and create a new fund designed to improve patient safety. These steps are important because our present system is deterring physicians and — much worse — cascading the costs of attorney's fees to patients.
I have referred countless patients to Arizona for gastroenterology, transplant, hepatology, endocrinology, rheumatology, urology and cardiology, and to Colorado for gastroenterology and orthopedics because of the long wait times for them to be seen in New Mexico. I never want my patients to have to travel so far for care again. I hope our Legislature and governor can support SB176 to reduce barriers to patients being able to receive the care they need close to home.
Eileen Barrett, MD, MPH
Albuquerque
