The American Hospital Association released the results of a new survey of medical malpractice liability insurance costs at its annual meeting on April 29th. The new survey highlighted the effects of tort reform, by comparing hospitals in the states with effective medical malpractice liability reform with those in the 18 "crisis states" without such reforms.

Medical malpractice costs (per staffed bed) rose 158% in the last two years for those facilities in the crisis states, compared to 74% in states with tort reform legislation.

The 18 Crisis States are: