This Opinion Journal op-ed by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Dallas orthopedic surgeon John Gill urges Congress to view Texas’ 2003 medical malpractice litigation reform legislation as a model for such legislation:

[P]hysicians are returning to the [Texas], particularly in underserved specialties and counties. Insurance premiums to protect against frivolous lawsuits have declined dramatically, with the stateís largest carrier reporting declines up to 22% and other carriers reducing premiums by an average of 13%. The number of lawsuits filed against doctors has been cut almost in half.

But Gingrich and Gill caution to get ready for a rumble over the Congressional debate on medical malpractice reform:

In the coming days, our senators in Washington will have a chance to stand up with America’s doctors and patients against the personal injury lawyers. Expect a brawl. On one side will be the lawyers, frantically attempting to protect and pad their wallets, while driving up costs for the American people and limiting our access to health-care providers. On the other will be the positive, pro-patient, pro-health-care story from Texas, a state which has taken an important first step toward creating a 21st-century health justice system that meets the needs of doctors and patients alike.

Read the entire piece.