We need a law that lets doctors say “I’m sorry”? Yes, according to the Massachusetts Legislature. Here’s part of a story from Boston.com:
Lawmakers are considering a bill that would let doctors say “I’m sorry” without admitting they made a medical mistake.
Doctors have long expressed frustration that showing any compassion toward patients or their families — especially after a death following an operation or treatment — can be used against them in a medical malpractice lawsuit.
The bill sponsored by Barnstable Democratic Sen. Robert D. O’Leary would make the expression of “benevolence, regret, sympathy, commiseration, condolence or compassion” inadmissible as evidence in such a lawsuit.
