There has been more stability over the past 35 years in  the medical malpractice insurance industry as practitioners and states have taken actions designed to reduce claims and reduce  the cost of reaching settlements. Several factors are contributing to the new stability including:  state efforts to rein in out-of-control settlements of medical malpractice claims; increased emphasis by physicians and hospitals on patient safety; and strong loss-prevention activities by medical liability insurers, according to a recent story at Property Casualty 360°.