On April 19, Michigan enacted Public Act 21, which provides that in civil lawsuits,
“a statement, writing or action expressing sympathy, compassion, commiseration, or a general sense of benevolence relating to the pain, suffering, or death of an individual, that was made to that individual or to his or her family, is inadmissible as evidence of an admission of liability in a medical malpractice action.”
The law is intended to protect healthcare providers who are afraid to say "I'm sorry" to a patient or his or her family members out of fear that the statement may be used against them in a civil malpractice suit. It is also intended to reduce unnecessary suits.
36 states and the District of Columbia have "I'm Sorry" statutes.
Source: BNA
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