Hopefully, this will be my last post about tort reform for a while. Combest has a couple of KMOX links today dealing with the issue. The question has largely been settled in Missouri, given that comprehensive tort reform was passed five years ago. How has it worked out? Very well for the insurance companies, as well as for the doctors who are paying lower malpractice rates.

I truly believe that the passage of tort reform was the best change for long-term economic growth that Missouri has made in decades. The benefits are realized every time a doctor decides against moving her practice across the state line. But I still don’t think a preemptive federal reform would be appropriate. This is a state issue, and Missouri has properly addressed it.