Text Size: A A A
At Law
The Limits of Apology Laws

During the 1990s, apology laws emerged as an initiative that could help reduce the rate of medical error. But apology laws will be beneficial only if they are accompanied by full disclosure and fair compensation programs. Without leadership, modeling, and instruction, many clinicians will prefer to avoid the painful task of acknowledging their mistakes.

During the 1990s, apology laws emerged as an initiative that could help reduce the rate of medical error. But apology laws will be beneficial only if they are accompanied by full disclosure and fair compensation programs. Without leadership, modeling, and instruction, many clinicians will prefer to avoid the painful task of acknowledging their mistakes.

Rebecca Dresser, “The Limits of Apology Laws,” Hastings Center Report 38, no. 3 (2008): 6-7.