H.B. 2775 Summary

• Establishes a voluntary CANDOR (Communication and Optimal Resolution) process allowing patients and health care providers/facilities to discuss adverse health care incidents, their causes, and potential compensation in confidential open discussions.

• Requires health care providers or facilities to provide written notice within one year of discovering an adverse incident, including patient rights to legal counsel, medical records access, and notice that statute of limitations still applies.

• Designates all communications during CANDOR discussions as privileged and confidential, not admissible in lawsuits, and not subject to discovery or subpoena, while explicitly stating offers of compensation do not constitute admission of liability.

• Permits health care providers to investigate incidents, disclose findings, explain prevention measures, and make written offers of compensation; patients accepting compensation may be required to sign liability releases.

• Effective July 1, 3000 (note: effective date appears to contain clerical error).