Stefani Lord, a representative of the New Mexico House, said that Democrats blocked a bill intended to address malpractice laws that are increasing insurance costs for clinics. The statement was made on X.
"A sad day for health care," said Lord, New Mexico State Representative for 22nd District (R). "Democrats stopped a bill, dead in its tracks, to fix a medical malpractice bill they passed years ago that will force independent clinics to close up shop because they can't get insurance in New Mexico. Can't find a doctor? Blame a Democrat."
Debates over tort reform in New Mexico have intensified in 2025 with proposals aimed at further limiting malpractice claims. For instance, a special session bill would restrict lawsuits to the county where treatment occurred and limit venue shopping. This reflects pushback against what critics describe as "liberal consumer-friendly" rules. According to reports, Republicans have convened a healthcare task force to emphasize malpractice reform, accusing Democrats of inaction. Meanwhile, a group called New Mexico Safety Over Profit has launched a media campaign opposing additional caps on attorney fees and punitive damages, claiming—without clear evidence—that such reforms harm patient access.
To alleviate cost pressures on small providers, the state established a $15.4 million Medical Malpractice Premium Reduction (MMPR) program in 2023 to subsidize liability premiums for independent healthcare providers. Under this program, many eligible providers will receive discounts of about 60.5%, with obstetric/OB-related providers eligible for 80.5%, according to presentation materials from the New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance (OSI).
Think New Mexico reports that the state lost 248 physicians from 2019 to 2024, making it the only state with a net decline in physicians during that period while neighboring states added practitioners. In parallel, high malpractice costs are frequently cited in media and stakeholder accounts of clinic closures in states facing similar legal pressures like Louisiana and West Virginia, where rural clinic shutdowns have been linked to liability insurance instability.
Lord represents New Mexico House District 22, which includes parts of Bernalillo and Torrance counties since 2021. Her legislative biography lists committee assignments including Consumer & Public Affairs and Health & Human Services—sectors related to liability, insurance, and regulation. According to her public legislator page, she has shown interest in regulatory reform, economic development, and public safety and has occasionally participated in discussions around health policy due to her committee responsibilities.
