Legislation Introduced to
Help Prevent Medication Errors
October 24, 2003 - Bipartisan, bicameral legislation
designed to improve patient safety at hospitals through investment
in information technology (H.R.
3035 and S.
1729) was reintroduced on Sept. 9 and Oct. 14, respectively.
The "Medication Errors Reduction Act of 2003, "
introduced by Sens. Bob Graham (D-Fla.) and Olympia Snowe
(R-Maine) in the Senate, and Reps. Amo Houghton (R-N.Y.) and
Earl Pomeroy (D-N.D.) in the House, would reduce medication
errors by improving the computer systems of hospitals and
health care providers who deliver inpatient and skilled nursing
care.
Specifically, the measure would set up a competitive grant
program for hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (SNF).
Funds from this $1 billion dollar, ten-year program could
be used to purchase or improve computer software and hardware
or provide education and training to staff on patient-safety
programs.
The bills also set aside 20 percent of the grant money for
rural providers who often have the greatest need and the smallest
budgets for obtaining the latest technology. The AAMC and
37 other provider, business, and labor organizations have
communicated their support for the legislation.
Information:
Lynne Davis Boyle, Assistant Vice President
AAMC Office of Governmental Relations
ldavisboyle@aamc.org
(202) 828-0526
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