Oregon governor signs medical lawsuit mediation bill
On March 18, Gov. John Kitzhaber signed a bill that creates a new process for patients, physicians, and healthcare providers to mediate disputes over medical errors, according to Oregon Live.
A work group collaborated to formulate a method of improving patient care and reducing defensive medicine, resulting in Senate Bill 483. The bill—which is effective immediately—allows patients, healthcare providers, and physicians to enter into a confidential mediation before going to court over a medical error, which could potentially prevent unnecessary lawsuits.
The House and Senate overwhelmingly approved the bill with the Senate voting 26-3 and the House voting 55-1.
View more information on this new bill by clicking here.