OR governor signs medical lawsuit mediation bill

SALEM -- Gov. John Kitzhaber signed a bill Monday creating a new process for patients, doctors and health care providers to mediate disputes over medical errors. Kitzhaber praised Senate Bill 483, the product of a work group tasked with coming up with a method of improving patient care and reducing defensive medicine. "I think the result is a really innovative piece of legislation," Kitzhaber said. Under the new law, patients, health care providers and doctors could enter into a confidential mediation before going to court over a medical error. Supporters hope the mediation process will prevent frivolous lawsuits from going forward. The law takes effect immediately.