Physician apologies and medical malpractice claims

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22582200

J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2012 May;112(5):302-6.

Efficacy of a Physician's Words of Empathy: An Overview of State Apology Laws.

Saitta N, Hodge SD Jr.

Source

Jr, JD, Chair, Department of Legal Studies, 464 Alter Hall, 1801 Liacouras Walk (006-03), Philadelphia, PA 19122-6083. temple885@aol.com.

Abstract

Apology laws are gaining traction in the United States, prompting health care professionals to offer words of condolence for adverse medical outcomes without the fear of being sued for malpractice. Although these laws vary by jurisdiction, they have been shown to reduce the financial consequences of a medical malpractice lawsuit. The authors provide an overview of the laws regarding this issue and discuss apologies as a means to reduce medical malpractice claims.