Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber has signed a bill creating a new mediation process for patients injured by medical mistakes.
Kitzhaber signed the measure Monday flanked by legislators and the leaders of the Oregon Medical Association and the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association.
The governor and other supporters of the bill say it’s a remarkable agreement between doctors and lawyers, who are often at odds over efforts to limit the costs of health care lawsuits. But critics say it won’t do anything to reduce medical costs because it doesn’t cap the amount of money that juries can award to patients injured by medical errors.
The measure would allow injured patients to confidentially discuss the error and a possible settlement with the hospital or clinic where the mistake occurred.
Topics Oregon
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
Florida Insurance Costs 14.5% Lower Than Without Reforms, Report Finds 
CFC Owners Said to Tap Banks for Sale, IPO of £5 Billion Insurer 
World’s Growing Civil Unrest Has an Insurance Sting 
State Farm Adjuster’s Opinion Does Not Override Policy Exclusion in MS Sewage Backup 
