Rhode Island House Bill H6210

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/9/25
• Refer: 4/9/25

Caption

Provides that statements by a health care provider regarding the unanticipated outcome of a patient's medical care and treatment shall be inadmissible as evidence of an admission of liability or as evidence of an admission.

Impact

If enacted, H6210 would significantly alter the landscape of civil liability in healthcare settings. The bill supports an environment where healthcare providers can express compassion and transparency regarding unexpected medical results, thereby potentially fostering better patient-provider relationships. However, the inability to use such statements as evidence may raise concerns about accountability and the consequences for providers in cases of negligence or malpractice. This balance seeks to improve patient care while protecting providers from legal consequences for their sincere expressions of concern.

Summary

House Bill H6210 aims to amend the General Laws regarding the admissibility of statements made by healthcare providers concerning unanticipated outcomes of patient medical care and treatment. This legislation provides that any expressions of apology, regret, condolence, or sympathy made by healthcare providers or their employees in response to a patient's unanticipated outcome will not be admissible as evidence of admission of liability in civil actions or complaints against them. It is designed to encourage more open communication between healthcare providers and patients without the fear of legal repercussions.

Contention

There are likely to be points of contention regarding the implications of H6210, as critics might argue that it could lead to less accountability for healthcare providers. Concerns may arise that by removing the legal implications of apologies and expressions of sympathy, patients may find themselves without recourse in the event of negligence or poor outcomes. Conversely, supporters may argue that the bill encourages a more empathetic response from providers, ultimately benefiting patients who value transparency and communication in their care experiences.