Ritter signs new law allowing patients to check doctors' history

DENVER - Coloradans will soon get full access to doctors' professional histories thanks to a measure signed into law on Thursday by Governor Bill Ritter.
The measure is designed to educate consumers about any malpractice claims filed against their physician. The governor calls this law a "patient's bill of rights." The premise behind House Bill 1331 is a simple one: When you go to the doctor's office, they will always ask you for your medical history. Under this new law, you'll be able to ask for their history. Governor Ritter signed the bill into law Thursday afternoon with Patty Skolnik looking on. Skolnik's son, Michael, died after unnecessary brain surgery performed by a doctor who had a malpractice claim against him in another state. She had no idea about the doctor's history. Read more... Watch video...

Ritter signs a dozen bills, including one making doctor info available to public

By April M. Washington, Rocky Mountain News May 25, 2007
Michael Skolnik's life was cut short three years ago, his family says, by a doctor who performed unnecessary brain surgery after misdiagnosing him. Read more...