SALEM, Ore. - Patients injured by medical mistakes in Oregon can now confidentially discuss the error and a possible settlement with the hospital or clinic where the mistake occurred.
Gov. John Kitzhaber signed the bill Monday creating a new mediation process for injured patients.
The governor and other supporters of the bill say it is an agreement between doctors and lawyers, who are often at odds over efforts to limit the costs of health care lawsuits. However, critics say it will not do anything to reduce medical costs because it does not cap the amount of money that juries can award to patients injured by medical errors.
