Gov. Perry on Health Care and Tort Reform

Under Gov. Perry, Texas has reformed its child protective services, insured more of Texas’ needy children than ever before, and increased health care investments by more than $20 billion while promoting prevention and wellness programs to cut down on future health care costs. Gov. Perry has also led the most sweeping lawsuit reform in the nation, cracking down on junk asbestos claims and frivolous medical malpractice lawsuits. Now thousands more doctors, including specialists, are practicing in Texas, bringing greater access to quality health care for Texans.

Cracking Down on Frivolous Lawsuits. Medical Liability Reform. In 2003, Gov. Perry led the fight to pass the most sweeping medical liability reforms in the nation. Since then, frivolous lawsuits against doctors and hospitals have dropped dramatically, insurance costs have fallen, and access to health care has greatly improved. - More Doctors. More Specialists. In 2007, the Texas Medical Board received a record 4,041 applications for physician licenses, and issued a record 3,324 licenses. The board topped that again the next year, granting a new record 3,621 licenses in 2008. Texas has added 215 obstetricians since 2003, and the number of obstetricians practicing in rural Texas has grown by 27 percent.
Increased access in underserved areas. In 2009, Gov. Perry signed legislation to expand access to medical care in rural and medically underserved areas. House Bill 2154 creates a dedicated source of revenue to support education loan forgiveness for physicians who work in health professional shortage areas and provide services to Medicaid or CHIP recipients.
Protecting Children. Over 2.4 million of Texas poorest children – one out of every three children in the state – are now covered under the Children’s Health Insurance Program and Medicaid program.
Texas Protects its Most Vulnerable Citizens. Texas overhauled state supported living centers, formerly known as state schools, to provide more oversight and protection for the residents of the centers and those in community-based services.
Tough on Fraud. Gov. Perry authorized the creation of the Office of the Inspector General of the Health And Human Services Commission which saved taxpayers over $1.5 billion in fraud detection in government health care programs.

Read Related Press Releases, Blog Posts and News Articles about Gov. Perry's Efforts on Health Care and Tort Reform

Proposition 12 A Winner Five Years Later

October 1, 2008

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Joe Nixon

Five years ago, Texas voters adopted Proposition 12, the constitutional amendment ratifying the cap on noneconomic damages in lawsuits against doctors that the Texas Legislature established in House Bill 4.

Gov. Perry: Continued Investment Will Lead to Life Changing Discoveries

September 26, 2008

Attends Groundbreaking for Baylor Cancer Center

DALLAS – Gov. Rick Perry today encouraged the continued support of research in cancer prevention and treatment at the groundbreaking of the Baylor Cancer Center.

“Baylor’s new facility will be an essential part of our statewide effort to eradicate this indiscriminate killer,” Gov. Perry said. “The brilliant ideas in cancer research developed at this center will move us closer to discovering a cure, bringing an end to cancer’s deadly role in our society.”

Nursing school named for Anita Perry

August 26, 2008

Abilene Reporter-News

Texas first lady Anita Perry touted the importance of quality nursing education at a ceremony recently announcing the naming of the Anita Thigpen Perry School of Nursing at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Names Nursing School for First Lady

August 21st, 2008

First Lady Anita Perry today touted the importance of quality nursing education at a ceremony announcing the naming of the Anita Thigpen Perry School of Nursing at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC).

More pictures from this event

Statement of Gov. Rick Perry on Death of Dr. Michael DeBakey

July 12, 2008

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today issued the following statement on the death of renowned heart surgeon, Michael DeBakey:

"In a state known for innovators, Michael DeBakey was a giant in his field. With his passing, the world lost a man who essentially created the field of heart healthcare. From equipment he invented to procedures he devised to therapies he pioneered, Dr. DeBakey improved and extended the lives of people all over the world. He was a key contributor to our state becoming a medical center of excellence and he will be sorely missed.

"Anita and I extend our sincere condolences and prayers to his family, his medical colleagues and his countless friends."

State Leaders Announce Emerging Technology Fund Investment in Trauma Care Research

May 9, 2008

AUSTIN - Governor Rick Perry, Lt. Governor David Dewhurst and Speaker Tom Craddick today announced a $5 million investment through the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF) to recruit leading scientists and surgeons in trauma care and next-generation medical technologies to the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHSC-H) for the newly-created Center for Transitional Injury Research (CeTIR).

"The Emerging Technology Fund makes Texas a global competitor in drawing the brightest minds in research and innovation to our state," said Gov. Perry. "Medical breakthroughs should never rest on a shelf, but rather be brought to the marketplace to help those in need. Continued expansion of our research and development capabilities in medical technologies will create more jobs, generate substantial capital investments, and most importantly, aid those who are suffering at home and around the world."

Gov. Perry Names Langwell Texas Round-Up 2008 Fit Texan

April 16, 2008

Also Names Recipients of ‘Fit Kid’ and ‘Fit Family’ Awards

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today named Norman Langwell Jr. of Huntsville as the 2008 Texas Round-Up Fit Texan. He also named 9-year-old Kolton Allen of Lexington as Fit Kid and the Gonzales- Paul family of San Antonio as Fit Family.

"I encourage all Texans to use these Texans’ stories as inspiration to take steps toward fitness, incorporating healthy changes in their daily routine that will help improve our quality of life and ensure long-term health," Gov. Perry said.

Texas Breaks Ground on Innovative Pre-Clinical Research Institute

March 28, 2008

TIPS Project Further Bolsters Texas’ Position as a Global Leader in Bioscience and Technology

COLLEGE STATION – Gov. Rick Perry today participated in a groundbreaking for the Texas Institute for Preclinical Studies (TIPS) at Texas A&M University, which will train veterinarians, physicians, scientists, technicians and engineers to meet the growing needs of the biomedical industry. The institute will work with the public and private sector to accelerate the research, development and commercialization of breakthrough technologies.

"The establishment of this institution combines the brightest minds in university research with the entrepreneurial spirit of emerging technology companies, positioning Texas as a strong competitor in the global marketplace," said Gov. Perry. "Continued expansion of our research and development capabilities will create more jobs and generate substantial capital investments, further diversifying and enriching our economy."

Gov. Perry Touts Texas’ Efforts to Reform Health Care System

March 27, 2008

Ibn Sina Medical Center Celebrates One Year Anniversary of Providing Care to Houston’s Neediest

HOUSTON — Speaking to an audience of medical professionals and community leaders at the Ibn Sina Community Medical Center, Gov. Rick Perry today emphasized the importance of changing societal paradigms from hospital-based care to encouraging preventive care. The governor also touted the state’s efforts to decrease the number of uninsured Texans by creating a health insurance assistance program for those individuals who cannot afford it on their own.

"Together with philanthropic organizations like the Ibn Sina Foundation, Texas is making great strides to ensuring health coverage for those uninsured Texans who need help the most," said Gov. Perry.

Gov. Perry Announces Emerging Tech Fund Investment in Halsa Pharmaceuticals

March 24, 2008

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry today announced the state will invest $250,000 through the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF) in Halsa Pharmaceuticals, Inc. of Houston for the development and pilot manufacturing of a therapeutic drug treatment for obesity. Up to $1 million total investment may be available to the company if it meets certain performance benchmarks.

"Obesity is a serious health epidemic affecting more than 10 million Texans," said Gov. Perry. "The development of effective obesity treatments, coupled with a healthy lifestyle, will not only save taxpayers billions in direct costs and lost productivity but will more importantly save lives."