Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signed the legislation aimed at providing legal protection to doctors who express sympathy or compassion to patients or their families.
The law says that conveying sympathy related to pain, suffering or death can't be used as evidence of admitting liability in a medical malpractice suit.
Many other states have laws like it.
Supporters say it allows and encourages better dialogue between doctors and patients, including difficulties related to diagnosis.
The law doesn't apply to a statement of negligence or culpable conduct.
