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.

She personally lobbied state lawmakers to pass this measure to save other families from the same grief she's had to endure.

Skolnik says she believes the vast majority of doctors are fantastic. House Bill 1331 just weeds out those who are not.

The program will be paid for by the doctors themselves. When they register with the state for their license, they'll now pay an additional $19 to make their criminal and malpractice history available to Coloradans.

Colorado becomes the 16th state to allow access to their doctors' records.

All doctors should have their criminal and malpractice histories available to consumers by the spring of 2009.