Disclosing medical errors in Missouri: how to say "I'm sorry"

Most physicians and patients agree that errors should be disclosed to patients and their families. A major barrier to disclosure is fear of litigation on the part of the physician. Some states, now including Missouri, have adopted so-called "apology laws", which are designed to facilitate disclosure by making certain statements of apology inadmissible as evidence in a court case. Some institutions have implemented "full-disclosure" programs with reportedly promising results. This article will review apology law in Missouri, and will discuss its implications for medical practice and for the disclosure of errors.