'I'm Sorry' Laws Protect Physicians from Suits

Questions and Answers with Mike Joseph

Mike Joseph, a leading healthcare lawyer in Oklahoma, was interviewed by The Oklahoman on a state law that prevents physicians' apologies from being used as admission of guilt in malpractice lawsuits.

"The 'I'm sorry' law allows the physician to express an apology to patients and their families," said Joseph.  "It facilitates communication and protects the continuing physician-patient relationship."

Whether or not an apology is made, Joseph said that patients and their families need to understand that an unexpected or adverse medical outcome does not necessarily mean that substandard care, a medical error or medical malpractice was involved.