For Immediate Release

Sept. 17, 2005

Attribute the following statement to Texas Medical Association President Robert T. Gunby Jr., MD:

"The physicians of Texas applaud the Texas Medical Liability Trust for leading the way in what will soon be the third round of liability insurance premium reductions for physicians. Today's announced 5-percent rate cut means TMLT has now reduced premiums a cumulative 22 percent since the voters approved Proposition 12 two years ago.

"This is more proof positive that Texas' landmark 2003 medical liability reforms are doing their job. Liability premiums are going down and Texans today have more access to more physicians - physicians who will be there especially when they are very sick or terribly injured.

"We strongly encourage all of the state's liability insurance carriers to follow TMLT's lead."

TMA is the largest state medical society in the nation, representing more than 40,000 physician and medical student members. It is located in Austin and has 120 component county medical societies around the state. TMA's key objective since 1853 is to improve the health of all Texans.

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