Physicians leery of new AZ apology law
Patient Safety Monitor Alert
May 18, 2005
Physicians in Arizona have mixed feelings about a new law in Arizona that removes apologies as an admission of fault in malpractice cases, according to the Arizona Daily Star. Although some say the new law makes it easier for hospitals to sympathize and show concern for patients, others think that the doctors who don't already apologize aren't going to start.
The hope of medical professionals in the state is that saying sorry and showing a more human response to a medical error will help reduce the number of malpractice cases. Proponents point to several states with "I'm sorry" laws that have had significant decreases in malpractice suits filed, according to the Daily Star.
Critics said the law will have a negligible affect because those physicians with good bedside manners and empathy already say they're sorry or act remorsefully towards patients and families. The ones who don't act that way now are unlikely to change overnight.
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