For Patients & Families
Help for patients & their families through open conversation
If you experience serious harm as a patient in Oregon, you or a family member can request a conversation with the provider through Early Discussion and Resolution (EDR).
Get help and work towards reconciliation outside of the legal system
Though healthcare organizations and providers put the safety of patients above all else, serious harm or death sometimes occurs. If this happens, then you or a family member can initiate a voluntary conversation through the Early Discussion and Resolution (EDR) process. EDR conversations are protected under state law, allowing everyone involved to openly discuss what happened and begin the path towards reconciliation and understanding.
Is EDR right for you?
EDR may be right for you if all of these apply:
You or a loved one received care that resulted in serious physical injury or death.
The event happened in the state of Oregon after July 1, 2014.
You are the patient (or the patient’s representative.)
The event happened at a healthcare facility or involved a healthcare provider.
You want to talk to your healthcare provider about what happened.
Here's how it works:
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You request a conversation:
EDR starts with a Request for Conversation, which you (or your representative) fills out and submits online.
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OPSC takes the next steps:
OPSC will contact the provider(s) included in the request and will regularly follow up to get a response. OPSC will not participate in any conversations, but we are always here to provide information about how the process works.
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The provider(s) make the next move:
If your Request for Conversation is accepted by the provider(s), they are responsible for scheduling the conversation with you directly. EDR is voluntary for everyone involved, and a request to have a conversation may not be accepted.
Get started with EDR
What might be included in a conversation with a provider?
While many things can be discussed during a conversation, here are a few that may be included:
Information about what happened and why
How your/the patient’s health and treatment could be affected by the event
An apology
Whether financial or non-financial restitution will be offered
What’s being done to improve care for future patients
Not ready yet?
Here is some more information to help you in your decision.
Some Benefits of EDR:
With EDR, you have the opportunity to ask questions about what happened and why.
EDR provides an option for reconciliation outside of the legal system; however, using EDR doesn’t prevent you from also pursuing other options.
Once you file a Request for Conversation through EDR, the statute of limitations for a related claim is extended for an additional 180 days, giving you more time.
Using EDR is voluntary, and you can opt-out at any time.
Communication through EDR always is confidential.
Do you need more information about EDR?
Or are you not sure if EDR is right for you?
That’s ok. We have other resources to help every Oregonian.
