Voluntary Oregon Early Discussion and Resolution Program Offers Mediation Service to Patients, Medical Providers

Last year, the Oregon Legislature passed a resolution creating the voluntary Early Discussion and Resolution (“EDR”) process to address undesired healthcare outcomes.  The resolution was signed into law in March and the EDR program is scheduled to go live on July 1, 2014.  The EDR process offers a structured, confidential avenue for patients and their loved ones to address adverse healthcare events that did not result from a patient’s underlying illness with medical providers and healthcare facilities.  Patient-centered mediation is also available to parties who are unable to come to a resolution following initial discussions.  In order to utilize the EDR program, injured patients or their healthcare providers must file a notice of serious adverse event with the Oregon Patient Safety Administration.  Additionally, participation in the voluntary EDR process does not preclude an injured patient from pursuing litigation in the future.

More information regarding the innovative EDR process is available on the Oregon Patient Safety Administration’s website.