PROVIDENCE – Rep. Joseph M. McNamara, D-Warwick, is sponsoring legislation that will make benevolent gestures by a health care provider – such as saying “I’m sorry” or expressing other forms of sympathy – inadmissible as evidence of an admission of liability in a civil action.

In a statement, McNamara said that while similar bills have failed in the past, this year’s version has been honed into its present form after many hours of discussions with various individuals and organizations with an interest in the issue. It is intended to allow health care providers to show compassion without fear of legal reprisals.

“Unfortunately, in a world where almost anything can lead to litigation, showing sympathy can too easily be seen as an admission of error or even guilt, especially in a health care setting,” McNamara said. •