House Bill Creates Legal
Protections For Medical Errors Reporting
June 14, 2002- Ways and Means Health Subcommittee
Chair Nancy Johnson (R-Conn.) introduced the "Patient
Safety Improvement Act" (H.R.
4889) on June 6. The bill provides the same legal protections
for medical errors reporting that are outlined in patient
safety legislation recently introduced by Senators Jeffords,
Frist, Breaux, and Gregg (S.
2590) [see Washington Highlights,
June 7]. Both bills establish a voluntary reporting framework
and create a confidential national data repository to identify
patterns of medical errors and disseminate potential improvements
in the healthcare delivery system.
Unlike S. 2590, H.R. 4889 creates conflict of interest standards
for self-appointed "patient safety organizations."
In addition, H.R. 4889 forms a "Medical Information Technology
Advisory Board" (MITAB) to advise the HHS Secretary on
how to ensure the rapid dissemination of "best practices"
in healthcare information technology. The MITAB would include
a teaching hospital representative.
The House bill also directs the HHS Secretary to develop
voluntary national reporting standards that would promote
the integration of medical information technology systems
among various providers.
Information:
Christiane Mitchell, Senior Legislative Affairs Manager
AAMC Government Relations
cmitchell@aamc.org
(202) 828-0526
Get Washington Highlights
in your Inbox!
| 
