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Massachusetts Takes Patient Communication, Apologies, and Medical Injury Resolution to a New Level with Innovative Web Site

The Massachusetts Alliance for Communication and Resolution following Medical Injury (MACRMI) was formed in 2012. Part of the Obama Administration’s Patient Safety and Medical Liability Program in 2010, the initiative aims to promptly resolve medical liability claims and incidents.  

Referred to as CARe (Communication, Apology, and Resolution), the program creates a roadmap that some claim will transform the medical liability system in Massachusetts. It was part of broader reform legislation passed by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Deval Patrick in 2012.

The legislation introduced several features, some of which have been explored in other states in recent years, including a six-month pre-litigation resolution period, sharing of all pertinent medical records, appropriate apology protections for providers, and full disclosure to patients.

The MACRMI’s new website for Massachusetts patients and providers can be viewed at www.macrmi.org.