SB 5065-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Provides that hospitals shall have in place policies to assure that, when appropriate, information about unanticipated outcomes is provided to patients or their families or any surrogate decision makers identified pursuant to RCW 7.70.065.

Declares that notifications of unanticipated outcomes under this act do not constitute an acknowledgment or admission of liability, nor can the fact of notification, the content disclosed, or any and all statements, affirmations, gestures, or conduct expressing apology be introduced as evidence in a civil action.

Provides that, beginning January 1, 2006, the department shall, during the survey of a hospital, ensure that the policy required in this act is in place.