Provides that statements by a health care provider regarding the unanticipated outcome of a patient's medical care and treatment shall be inadmissible as evidence of an admission of liability or as evidence of an admission.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would change the rules about what can be used as evidence in Rhode Island courts when a patient has an unexpected or negative outcome from medical care. Specifically, it would prevent a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider's words of sympathy, apology, or explanation — said to a patient or their family after something goes wrong — from being used against them as proof of fault in a lawsuit. For example, if a surgeon said "I'm so sorry this happened" or "this wasn't the result we expected," those words could not be introduced in court to suggest the provider was admitting they did something wrong.

This bill primarily affects patients, their families, and healthcare providers such as doctors, hospitals, and nurses. Patients and families who experience a bad medical outcome would still have the right to sue for malpractice, but they could not point to an apology or explanation as direct evidence that the provider admitted wrongdoing. Healthcare providers, on the other hand, would be able to speak more openly and compassionately with patients after an unexpected outcome without worrying that their words could be used against them in court.

Supporters of similar laws in other states have argued that they encourage more honest, open communication between providers and patients after medical errors. Critics have sometimes argued they can make it harder for patients to prove their cases. As of now, this bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee, where it has been held for further study.