Apology Act expected to help patients

The Apology Act is now law after receiving royal assent in the Manitoba legislature last week.

“This new legislation will ensure that we continue to move forward in developing patient safety initiatives,” said Health Minister Theresa Oswald. “We are happy to support this bill and I would like to commend the Liberal leader for his efforts in introducing this piece of legislation.”

In April, Liberal Leader Dr. Jon Gerrard introduced a private member's bill recognizing the importance an apology can play in settling disputes in medical cases.

“This is an important moment to make more progress in improving patient safety in Manitoba,” Gerrard said. “I would like to compliment Minister Oswald for her co-operation in allowing this bill, which will benefit all Manitobans, to move forward.”

Bill 202 allows health-care workers and other professionals to make an apology without it constituting an admission of legal liability.

This legislation will help health-care workers to admit errors and keep communications open in moving forward on patient safety, said Oswald, adding it will also enable patients and families to better understand the situation in which an error occurred and receive closure.

The Apology Act follows similar legislation that exists in British Columbia, Australia and several American jurisdictions.