Medical malpractice.

Medical liability insurance is in a state of emergency brough on by escalating premiums or withdrawal of insurance companies from the market. Solutions, supported by legislation, must be sought for the sake of both patient and physician. As a temporary method of correction joint underwriting associations appear to be the most practical suggestion. Long-range changes should include the establishment of powerful malpractice arbitration boards whose conclusions and evidence would be submitted in case of further appeal, the delegation of more power to the medical profession to enforce standards, shortening of the period specified in the statutes of limitation, limitations on contingency fees, and elimination of the applicability of such legal doctrines as ad damnum clauses and res ipsa loquitur.