Oregon Legislature Passes New Patient Safety Law


On July 1, 2014, the Oregon Patient Safety Act went into effect. The law provides a method for patients, families and loved ones to report alleged incidents of medical malpractice early, before filing a formal lawsuit. The Act also provides for early settlement of medical negligence claims through discussion and mediation.

Under the Act, patients may receive compensation in the form of forgiveness of outstanding medical bills, money for future medical care, lost income, and damages for inconvenience, pain, suffering and/or disfigurement.

The Act is designed to protect and improve patient safety by encouraging patients to report alleged medical negligence. Using the reports, the Commission created by the Act will develop practices to improve patient outcomes and assist healthcare facilities and providers in reducing the frequency of specific events, errors and omissions.

STCN partner Cynthia Newton has over 25 years’ experience handling a wide variety of medical negligence claims, including injury and death claims. She is well-versed in all varieties of medical and nursing specialties (e.g. gynecology, obstetrics, orthopedics, emergency medicine, gastroenterology, cardiology, general surgery, urology, internal medicine, pediatrics and radiology) and handles cases in Oregon, Washington and California. Cynthia is available to assist patients and their loved ones in accessing and using Oregon’s new Patient Safety Act.

For more information about the Act and how to early report go to
oregonpatientsafety.org.