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Dear Senator Lawmaker: I am writing today bout the growing medical liability crisis in the state of Missouri. As you may know, medical malpractice rates have skyrocketed in recent months. It is not unusual to see increases of 100 or 200 percent in some cases. Doctors see their choices as ranging from dropping high-risk procedures to moving to another state to practice medicine, and even to ceasing practice entirely. Certainly, no one favors any of these choices, which can reduce the quality and even the availability of healthcare for Missourians. I am writing today to urge you to take the following actions: 1. Support a change in joint and several liability provisions of Missouri law. 2. Legislate a maximum of $250,000 cap for non-economic damages. 3. Support the creations of a standardized application form for medical malpractice insurance. 4. Support improved management of companies exiting the Missouri market, including a required renewal of policies until that insurance can be replaced. 5. Promote better state rules regarding who is responsible today for claims filed for actions in the distant past. These actions are vital to continue and improve the quality of medical care in Missouri. Please call me directly at (xxx) xxx-xxxx if you have any questions or comments regarding this issue. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,
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