Jay Block, a senator from New Mexico, has highlighted the increasing costs of malpractice insurance and legal judgments as factors exacerbating the state's doctor shortage. He emphasized the need for urgent reforms in a statement made on X.
"I have worked hard for tort reform regarding medical malpractice," said Jay C Block, New Mexico State Senator from 12th District (R). "New Mexico is bleeding doctors, and it's time we apply some direct, firm pressure. Our state is the only state which lost doctors between 2019 and 2024. New Mexico had the second-largest increase in malpractice insurance premiums in the U.S. from 2021 to 2022."
New Mexico is currently grappling with a growing healthcare workforce shortage amidst heated debates over malpractice reform. Hospitals have raised concerns that high liability costs are driving healthcare providers out of the state. In response, lawmakers have introduced Senate Bill 176, which aims to cap attorneys’ fees, restructure damage awards, and address what they describe as a crisis threatening access to care, especially in rural areas. The GOP has also established a task force to collect testimony from doctors, hospitals, and patients, according to reports by the Los Alamos Daily Post and SourceNM.
Between 2019 and 2024, New Mexico was unique in experiencing a net loss of 248 practicing physicians while most states saw an expansion in their medical workforce. Analysts caution that nearly 40% of the state's doctors are over 60 years old and likely to retire by 2030, further worsening shortages that are already straining hospitals. This decline is attributed to retirements, relocations, and frustrations with malpractice liability issues as reported by Think New Mexico and the Physicians Advocacy Institute.
Medical malpractice insurance premiums in New Mexico increased significantly after 2021 when liability caps were raised from $600,000 to $6 million with punitive damages remaining uncapped. Hospitals have reported premium increases ranging from 100% to 500%, resulting in financial strain and threats of closure, particularly in rural areas. These costs are now approximately double those in neighboring states, prompting calls for reform to retain local doctors as reported by Searchlight New Mexico and the Los Alamos Daily Post.
Block has represented Senate District 12 since January 2025. Prior to his tenure in the Senate, he served on the Sandoval County Commission and participated in the 2022 GOP gubernatorial primary. A retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, Block has advocated for conservative policies concerning law enforcement and healthcare. In his current role within the Senate, he serves on both the Health & Public Affairs and Rules committees and has sponsored legislation aimed at reforming malpractice laws according to information from the New Mexico Legislature and Ballotpedia.
