A cooperative effort between physicians and attorneys in Iowa has led to a new law that both sides say could greatly benefit patients by reducing the need for some lawsuits while improving patient safety. On Tuesday Gov. Terry Branstad signed into law Senate File 426, which establishes a medical error resolution process that facilitates open discussions between physicians and patients in the event of an unanticipated medical outcome. The measure “will encourage transparency and honesty, protect the rights of patients who have been harmed by avoidable events, improve patient safety, reduce litigation, facilitate healing for both patient and physician, and ultimately cut health care costs,” said Dr. Jeff Maire, president of the Iowa Medical Society. Brian Galligan, president-elect of the Iowa Association for Justice, said the new law will lead to more open and honest communication between medical care providers and patients. “Patients and their loved ones deserve the whole truth about medical errors that result in injury or death, and health care providers deserve a candid forum to explain what happened and explore how errors can be avoided in the future,” he said. 
 To read an earlier Business Record Insider article about how the process will work, click here.