 |
|
|
SUBCOMMITTEES: Privacy, Copyright, and Permission to Link Statement |
Committee on Ways and Means For Immediate Release Committee Passes Legislation to Prevent Medical Errors Through Voluntary & Confidential Reporting WASHINGTON - Today, lawmakers reported favorable passage of the Patient Safety Improvement Act of 2002 (H.R. 4889) out of a full Committee markup with a strong bipartisan vote of 33 - 4. “Medical errors are a preventable problem that has plagued America’s healthcare system for too long. Congress must act before more patients fall victim to these devastating mistakes,” said Bill Thomas (R-CA), Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. The Patient Safety Improvement Act addresses the problem of preventable medical errors. With the notion that we can learn from our mistakes, the bill promotes voluntary and confidential reporting of medical errors to new, private Patient Safety Organizations (PSOs), which will be certified by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It will be up to the PSOs to then analyze the problem, identify solutions, and provide feedback to correct mistakes. A database will also be created in order to track national trends and reoccurring problems. “Voluntary and confidential reporting of medical errors will assist in creating a culture of safety, allowing us to continuously improve America’s remarkable healthcare system,” said Nancy Johnson (R-CT), Chairman of the Health Subcommittee. In other Committee business, lawmakers reported favorable passage of the Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act of 2002, which passed by voice vote. This bipartisan legislation sets consistent guidelines for addressing miscellaneous trade proposals. It contains hundreds of provisions that have been thoroughly vetted and pose limited costs. The bill helps to strengthen the economy and create jobs for American workers by enabling U.S. companies to be more competitive while encouraging them to remain here, rather than relocating their businesses overseas. American consumers also benefit from the reduction in the cost of raw materials, which makes everyday products more affordable. |