Iowa governor signs malpractice bill

From the Des Moines Register:

Legislation offering a solution to the problem of costly medical malpractice insurance was signed into law Wednesday by (Iowa) Gov. Tom Vilsack.

Under House File 2716, approved by the Legislature late last month, doctors and other licensed professionals will be allowed to apologize for botched procedures and not face those admissions as proof of wrongdoing in court.

Supporters of the legislation say it will permit some patients to get closure from their doctor without having to go to court. They hope that will cut down on medical malpractice lawsuits and help hold down malpractice insurance premiums.