Ohio bill would shield doctors who say ‘My fault’

This undated photo provided by the Ohio House of Representatives shows Rep. Peter Stautberg. Doctors want to expand Ohio law by keeping conversations with patients or families where they admit fault in a medical procedure from being used as evidence in malpractice lawsuits. While Ohio law already includes protection for apologies by doctors, a bill sponsored by Stautberg, a Cincinnati Republican, would shield statements that take responsibility or acknowledge mistakes. (AP Photo/HO, Ohio House of Representatives) This undated photo provided by the Ohio House of Representatives shows Rep. Peter Stautberg. Doctors want to expand Ohio law by keeping conversations with patients or families where they admit fault in a medical procedure from being used as evidence in malpractice lawsuits. While Ohio law already includes protection for apologies by doctors, a bill sponsored by Stautberg, a Cincinnati Republican, would shield statements that take responsibility or acknowledge mistakes. (AP Photo/HO, Ohio House of Representatives)

By Associated Press December 2, 2014 3 min read

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Doctors talking privately to patients or families after a medical mishap could acknowledge responsibility or even admit a mistake without that conversation being used against them later in court, according to a proposal in the Ohio General Assembly pushed by physicians.

Ohio’s legislation is similar to a bill pending in Congress. States with similar laws include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts and South Carolina, said Tim Maglione, a lobbyist for the Ohio State Medical Association.

Encouraging such discussions could reduce malpractice lawsuits, since patients often sue to get answers, Maglione said.

“When patients do get this explanation and they do get answers, a lot of times that’s really all they want,” Maglione said. “That will, we hope, prevent unnecessary litigation.”

The bill passed the GOP-controlled state House along party lines last week and is expected to get hearings in the Senate before the end of December’s lame-duck session.