Government
Vermont Senate approves "I'm sorry" legislation
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted April 10, 2006
The Vermont Senate in March unanimously passed a bill that would allow physicians to apologize to patients for medical errors without allowing the statements to be used against them in lawsuits. At press time, the measure, supported by the Vermont Medical Society, was expected to clear the House and receive Gov. Jim Douglas' stamp of approval.
The law would "encourage greater communication between physicians and patients and remove the element of fear of civil liability," said Paul Harrington, executive vice president of the Vermont Medical Society, which was active in drafting the bill.
If the measure is enacted, Vermont would become one of about 20 states with a safe apology statute, according to 2005 data from the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2006/04/10/gvbf0410.htm.