Seattle Times: Sen. Chase proposes legislation to assist families get answers from medical review boards

A Lake Forest Park couple spent two years trying to get answers about the death of her father in the hospital. They filed a complaint with the medical review board, and according to Sen. Maralyn Chase (D-32, Shoreline, Lake Forest Park), were stonewalled and treated without respect.

By Carol M. Ostrom

Seattle Times health reporter

When something terrible happens to a patient in a hospital or under a doctor's care, families often file complaints with state disciplinary boards.

Frequently, those who believe they have been wronged hear nothing for months or even years, only to finally be told that the official finding is "insufficient evidence" or "no cause for action."

Families are left wondering: How on earth did authorities reach this conclusion? Did they really investigate and search for the truth? Did the doctor or hospital lie or cover up?

Spurred by the experience of a Lake Forest Park family, lawmakers have proposed a bill that would give more rights to people who file complaints alleging medical mistakes. House Bill 1493 passed the House 68 to 29 earlier this month and is scheduled to be heard by a Senate committee Thursday.

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