Bill Positions

Bill Number: HB 607

Bill Title: Health Care Malpractice - Expression of Regret or Apology - Inadmissibility

Bill Sponsor(s): Delegate Kelly, et al.

Subject: Civil Liability

Committee: JUD

Bill Summary: This bill would alter the evidentiary rule concerning apologies or expressions of regret in a medical malpractice liability case.

History: In 2006 HB 790 was supported by the MD Chamber, passed the House, but died without a vote in the Senate JPR Committee. In 2007 HB 147 received an unfavorable report by the Judiciary Committee.

Chamber Position: Support

Position Summary: The MD Chamber supported meaningful tort reforms in order to reduce the cost of medical liability insurance for health care providers. This bill would have allowed a health care provider to make an apology to a victim, or a member of a victim's family, without fear of the statement being used as evidence in a malpractice case.

Position Statement: Click here to download a pdf version of the Maryland Chamber's position statement.

Chamber Staff: Ronald Wineholt

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.