Michigan docs can now dispense the medicine of sympathy

Being a doctor means never having to say you’re sorry.

 But now in Michigan, if a doctor wishes to apologize for a patient suddenly lying cold and lifeless on a gurney, those kind words won’t count against him or her in a court of law.

On Tuesday, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has signed legislation designed to legally protect medical providers who express sympathy or compassion to patients or their families. Those statements now can’t be used against medical providers in a medical malpractice lawsuit.

 Proponents say such “I’m sorry” laws, which have been enacted in other states are intended to encourage more dialogue between doctors and patients and more information related to diagnosis.