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STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE CHAMBERS HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06106 |
M. Jodi Rell Governor |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 1, 2010
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Contact: 860-524-7313
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Governor Rell Signs Bill Expanding Disclosure,
Accountability of Medical Error Reporting
“Adverse Events” Bill Also Adds Protection for Whistleblowers
Governor M. Jodi Rell today signed a bill that expands disclosure of medical errors at hospitals and surgical clinics and gives patients access to information regarding their complaints.
Senate Bill 248, An Act Concerning Adverse Events at Hospitals and Outpatient Surgical Facilities, also adds protections for whistleblowers who report the medical errors, known as “adverse events.” The bill also requires mandatory mediation for all civil lawsuits that allege negligence in cases of personal injury or death.
“There is no such thing as a ‘routine procedure,’ especially when you or a loved one are undergoing the work,” Governor Rell said. “You want everything to go perfectly. Tragically, sometimes it does not – and the public has a right to know. State policymakers need all the facts, as well, in order to prevent future mistakes.”
The new law requires the state Department of Public Health (DPH) to submit an annual report to the Legislature on adverse events that includes aggregate information about medical errors on each hospital. The report will also include comments from the hospitals as they relate to the errors.
The DPH must also give patients access to information if they have filed complaints of negligence, incompetence, fraud or deceit against health care providers. DPH is also required to keep patients informed of the status and disposition of their complaints.
“We have outstanding health care professionals here in Connecticut and we are proud to have world-class hospitals and treatment programs,” the Governor said. “Without question, we want our hospitals to be the safest in the nation. This bill is an important part of that process.”