Medical Malpractice Reforms Approved In Massachusetts

    A new law in Massachusetts has overhauled medical malpractice procedures.  WAMC”s Paul Tuthill reports.

   The state’s new healthcare cost containment  law, signed by Governor Patrick  requires doctors to disclose when they’ve made a medical error. It establishes a 182 day cooling off period before a medical malpractice case can go to trial. It mandates an exchange of information between a plaintiff and defendant.  Supporters of the changes say the new provisions will encourage  parties to reach settlements prior to court  and  improve patient safety by allowing doctors to better report mistakes and learn  from them..