I am writing to express the Medical Professional Liability Association's opposition to the proposal to substantially increase caps on damages in medical liability lawsuits. We oppose this proposal for the following reasons: - The proposal has been rushed before the legislature with insufficient public input and insufficient time to analyze its full implications - The substantial increase in Virginia's damage cap will result in substantially higher costs to health professionals and facilities - Neighboring states are outperforming Virginia is reducing medical liability claims costs, potentially driving health professionals to those locales - For the above reason, the proposal may exacerbate the shortage of health professionals in the commonwealth and reduce access to care - There is no evidence to suggest that raising damage caps will improve access to care or patient safety