COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – A proposal in Ohio would allow doctors to acknowledge fault for a mistake to patients or their relatives without fear of the admission being used later in malpractice lawsuits.
The bill sponsored by Rep. Peter Stautberg R-Cincinnati) would shield statements that take responsibility or acknowledge mistakes.
Doctors are still reluctant to sit down with patients out of fear an apology could be misconstrued, Tim Maglione of the Ohio State Medical Association says.
The Senate is expected to hold hearings next week on the House-approved bill.
Ohio’s legislation is similar to a bill pending in Congress. Several other states also have similar laws.