New Mexico House Republicans have raised concerns about the state's medical malpractice laws, claiming they drive doctors out of New Mexico and benefit trial lawyers more than patients. This announcement was made on the social media platform X.
According to Searchlight New Mexico, hospitals and healthcare providers have reported a significant increase in malpractice insurance costs since 2021. This follows legislative changes that raised liability caps up to $6 million over a five-year phase-in period. These increased costs are said to intensify budget pressures and complicate physician retention efforts. The report also highlights record verdicts and a volatile litigation climate, which leaders say make practicing in New Mexico challenging, especially for high-risk specialties and rural facilities. Additionally, these financial burdens exacerbate existing workforce shortages, further complicating patient access across the state.
Source NM summarizes discussions from a GOP policy forum, noting that New Mexico does not cap medical malpractice payouts or attorney fees. Hospital and community leaders described this as creating a "risky" environment for physicians. Between 2020 and 2024, malpractice claims per physician in New Mexico reportedly grew to two to three times the rate of neighboring states such as Arizona, Colorado, Texas, and Utah. These open-ended liabilities and rising claim frequencies are partly blamed for difficulties in recruiting and retaining healthcare providers.
Searchlight New Mexico's investigations reveal that a dark-money group named New Mexico Safety Over Profit has opposed reforms like capping attorney fees. This opposition has led to a lawsuit by the State Ethics Commission over alleged disclosure violations. The report also documents significant financial backing for reform opponents, including large donations used to amplify advertising and lobbying efforts. These findings illustrate organized resistance to proposed fee limits and liability changes central to reform initiatives.
