Bill Positions

Bill Number: SB 906

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

Bill Sponsor(s): Senator Muse

Subject: Civil Liability

Committee: SRU

Bill Summary: This bill would have altered 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. In 2008 HB 607 received an unfavorable report by the Judiciary Committee. In 2009 SB 906 died in the Rules Committee.

Chamber Position: Support

Position Summary: The MD Chamber supports 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:

Chamber Staff: Ronald Wineholt

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