N.J.'s top court delivers 'huge victory' for patients who sue hospitals and doctors

Hospitals and doctors must share the facts of their treatment with patients who are suing for medical malpractice and cannot hide behind a landmark state law that permits a confidential examination of why mistakes occurred, according to the state's highest court.

The state Supreme Court ruling Wednesday clarifies the intent of the Patient Safety Act, a 2004 law that encouraged medical professionals to have frank discussions about "adverse events," with the goal of preventing future errors. Those discussions and any written analysis from them are still private, according to the decision.