This week, to continue the LRANY video series, we bring to you a video on the medical apologies. Under current law, statements of apology or regret made by a health care provider can be used in court against the provider as evidence of wrongdoing.Consequently, doctors and hospitals are unable to apologize or express sympathy to injured patients because of the liability risk. Currently, 36 states (see map) have enacted similar “apology laws.”
By enacting common sense legislation (S.2533 (Hannon)/A.4071 (Galef) Liability protection for statements of regret or apology), our state would reduce medical malpractice litigation, reduce court costs and improve provider-patient relationships.
