According to a new study from HHS' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), states that have placed caps on malpractice lawsuit awards have seen a significantly larger growth in the number of practicing physicians than those states without such caps. Study authors found that specific dollar amounts of the caps also had an impact on the supply of physicians, especially in rural areas. Caps generally increased physician supply by 2 to 3 percent three years after adoption, and after accounting for several other variables that impact physician supply detailed in the report. In addition, the authors accounted for the effects of four other state malpractice reforms, including collateral source rule reform, prejudgment interest reform, joint and several liability reform and caps on punitive damages. To read the full text of the study, go to http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/content/abstract/hlthaff.w5.250