A new law proposed in Ontario makes is possible for doctors to apologize for mistakes without incurring liability. Often when a doctor or other medical care worker makes a critical error they are advised not to admit a mistake because it could open them (and their hospital/clinic) open to being sued. This law offers the chance to say "I'm sorry--I made a mistake" without that apology being taken an admission of guilt for the purposes of a law suit.
My own experience in the church and the health care industry is that many times people really will be satisfied with an apology. Many states that have adopted this kind of legislation have seen malpractice lawsuits halved as a consequence.
I remember a lecture by a clergy sexual abuse expert in which she told us that victims usually sue the church only after they fail to find resolution via a simple but honest apology. Therefore, she always urged Bishops to ignore the advice of counsel and offer apology when the situation warrants. In these cases, the victims are always more interested in seeing signs of repentance and reformation than simply getting money for damages. It's really not about the money--but money has been given the power to express things that are taboo to say otherwise. IMHO, this is a huge mistake. If Christians can't say their sorry and amend their ways, then we are in serious trouble.
So I'm heartened by the law here in Ontario which ought to free Doctors to be more honest about mistakes that are made.
-t
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