A proposed bill in Ohio seeks to encourage private discussions between physicians and families after a medical mishap occurs by allowing physicians to admit fault concerning medical mistakes without their words being used against them in court at a later date, according to a Star Tribune report.
The legislation would expand the state's "I'm Sorry" law, which shields physicians' apologies from being used against them in court.
By encouraging these private discussions regarding medical mistakes, the physician-backed legislation, which is sponsored by Rep. Peter Stautberg, could reduce the number of medical malpractice lawsuits filed in Ohio, as some patients file lawsuits against their physicians to get answers regarding a medical error, according to the report.
The bill, which has already passed Ohio's Republican-controlled House, is expected to get hearings in the Senate this month.
Ohio isn't the first state to introduce this type of legislation. Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts and South Carolina already have similar laws in place, according to the report.
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