Massachusetts Bill Would Let Doctors Say ‘I’m Sorry’

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.

The bill is one of several set to be taken up at a Statehouse hearing Wednesday by the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing.

Latest Comments

• May 27, 2009 at 3:19 am

  Getting Real says:

  Let's get real here, folks. In a malpractice suit, I think it would be a cold day in hell before plaintiff's attorney would want to introduce in evidence that the doctor who i... read more
• May 27, 2009 at 2:29 am

  wudchuck says:

  using these types of words should have never been allowed to be placed into a lawsuit. anyone should be able to show compassion, no matter who that individual is. it could h... read more
• May 27, 2009 at 12:42 pm

  Jane Doe says:

  I think it would be easier for many doctors to have their carriers pay out million dollar lawsuits than to say "I'm sorry." About 7 years ago, my father was visiting from Flor... read more