Connecticut Senate Bill SB00167

Connecticut 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/18
• Refer: 2/16/18

Caption

An Act Concerning The Reporting Of Adverse Events By Hospitals And Outpatient Surgical Facilities.

Impact

The bill's implementation is expected to significantly impact state laws by enforcing stricter accountability measures for healthcare facilities. It formulates a systematic approach to reporting that aligns with the National Quality Forum’s standards, potentially leading to enhanced patient safety protocols. By compelling hospitals to disclose adverse events systematically, the bill aims not only to monitor but to improve practices within healthcare institutions, possibly reducing the incidence of preventable adverse occurrences. This underscores a shift towards a more transparent healthcare system where factual reporting is essential for continuous improvement.

Summary

SB00167, known as 'An Act Concerning The Reporting Of Adverse Events By Hospitals And Outpatient Surgical Facilities,' aims to improve the regulation surrounding how hospitals and outpatient surgical facilities report adverse events. It mandates that these entities report any adverse events to the Department of Public Health within specific timeframes, alongside a corrective action plan to ensure accountability. The Commissioner of Public Health is empowered to take disciplinary actions against facilities that fail to comply with these reporting requirements, thus emphasizing the importance of transparency and patient safety in healthcare delivery.

Contention

One point of contention surrounding SB00167 includes the potential pushback from healthcare providers who may fear liability associated with reporting adverse events. Critics suggest that an overly stringent reporting system might deter facilities from submitting reports for fear of repercussions, leading to underreporting of events. Additionally, discussions may arise regarding the balance between regulatory oversight and operational autonomy of healthcare providers, as well as concerns about the implications of public scrutiny of reported adverse events on individual establishments. Ensuring that this system fosters improvement rather than punishment is crucial for its acceptance among stakeholders.