Medical errors are hard for doctors to admit, but it’s wise to apologize to patients

Some states have taken legislative action on disclosure of medical errors. For example, Pennsylvania in 2002 adopted a law requiring hospitals to notify patients in writing within seven days after a serious event occurs; this communication cannot be used as evidence of liability in court. Nearly 34 states and the District have adopted “apology laws” that protect parts of a doctor’s conversation as evidence of liability in a lawsuit.  Read more.