Did malpractice caps make Texas more alluring to doctors?

Some would argue so. At one time, Texas was a state that had a low ranking in physicians per capita; today, it has seen the number of physicians increase at double the rate of the population. As a result, the state medical board has granted 30% more licenses in the last fiscal year than the year before.

What's the draw? Supporters of tort reform believe that a constitutional amendment approved 4 years ago has helped. The amendment caps noneconomic damages at $250,000 and economic losses at $1.6 million in death cases, reported The New York Times (10/4/2007). The lack of a state income tax and an average 21.3% drop in malpractice insurance premiums may also be factors.