Nevada Reviews Doctor Apology Bill
A medical malpractice attorney blamed insurers for a lack of compassion during a hearing Friday on a bill to let doctors apologize to patients for an adverse medical result without having the apology used against them in court later on. The Nevada Trial Lawyers Association and the Nevada State Medical Association are at odds over SB174, called the "I'm sorry" law, but their criticisms of the current system both revolved around insurers' prohibitions against apologies by doctors. SB174, sponsored by Sen. Joseph Heck, R-Henderson, would make statements of apology, regret, or condolence inadmissible in a court case against a doctor. Heck, an emergency room doctor, said similar laws in other states greatly reduced malpractice cases. Hospitals which encouraged apologies saw lawsuits and settlements costs reduced, in some cases by up to 50 percent. Heck said the immunity granted by the bill would reassure insurance companies they can rid their contracts of prohibitions against apologies.
