Oklahoma has its share of startling health statistics, chief among them the state's high rate of uninsured ? more than 19 percent. The rising cost of health care and the uninsured affects the state's economy and the overall health of our citizens. Fundamentally, medical malpractice reform is needed to maintain the long-term stability and competitiveness of Oklahoma among its neighbors.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma supports medical malpractice reform in our state to improve the quality of health care and medical access to our citizens. Reform will help to reduce the number of unnecessary medical procedures, while making Oklahoma more competitive in the region to attract and retain quality health care professionals.

Physicians in Oklahoma are at a disadvantage compared to those in our neighboring states that have enacted medical malpractice reform. A 2006 survey by the Oklahoma Alliance of Physicians for Tort Reform showed 87 percent of doctors admitted to practicing "defensive medicine" ? through more testing, referring to other providers or more frequent visits ? to avoid the risk of a lawsuit. These practices raise health-care costs, increasing the number of uninsured. Physicians should not be forced to make treatment decisions based on fear of litigation rather than what is in the best interest of the patient and the health-care system.

Oklahoma competes with Texas and other nearby states to attract business and talent. Since Texas passed comprehensive medical liability reform in

2003, their medical malpractice insurance rates have reduced each year. Texas also has had a record-breaking number of applications for physician licenses, while Oklahoma ranks last in the nation in the number of physicians per capita, according to the Commonwealth Fund's 2007 report.

As physicians leave the state or retire, the doctors we train in Oklahoma head to greener pastures to begin their practices. Oklahoma citizens have fewer options in terms of health-care providers, which impacts quality health care for all. This trend not only affects our state's health, but our local economy as well.

By enacting malpractice reform, Oklahoma can hope to see an increase in physicians practicing in our state. This expansion in the availability of quality physicians also creates competition, helping to reduce costs and improve service.

In these times of economic uncertainty, it is prudent to take the steps necessary to protect the future of our children by making our state as business-friendly as our neighbors. With the right changes, our state can be economically viable and fundamentally strong for years to come.