OIG Report on Disclosure of Hospital Adverse Events
A recent OIG report, “Adverse Events in Hospitals: Public Disclosure of Information about Events,” focuses on policies and practices associated with the public disclosure of hospital adverse event information, including mechanisms for protecting patient privacy. In the OIG review of 17 state adverse event reporting systems, eight Patient Safety Organizations overseen by AHRQ, and CMS Medicare claims data, the OIG found only limited public disclosure of information about adverse events (defined as harm experienced by a patient as a result of medical care). The OIG notes, however, that seven state systems disclosed more extensive information than others (e.g., analysis of the causes of adverse events, guidance for reducing future occurrences, and information about improvements made by hospitals), which can serve as models for other entities.
