2008 Adverse Events Reporting Law
- Bulletin - June 11, 2008
Health Care Association Pledge on Adverse Event Billing
The Boards of Trustees of the Washington State Hospital Association, Washington State Medical Association, and the Washington Ambulatory Surgery Center Association have each adopted a policy to ensure that no patient (or payer) will pay for care related to an adverse event. This coordinated effort was led by Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire.
Fortunately, adverse events are very rare. Department of Health data show fewer than 200 events occur in Washington hospitals each year out of 630,000 patient admissions.
If you have media questions, contact Cassie Sauer, Vice President, Communications at (206) 216-2538 or cassies@wsha.org.
If you have policy questions, contact Claudia Sanders, Senior Vice President, Policy Development at (206) 216-2508 or claudias@wsha.org.
- Click here to see the Board of Trustees resolution (PDF)
- Click here to download a model hospital policy on not billing for adverse events (Word)
- Click here to download questions and answers on implementing the adverse events policy (PDF)
- Click here to read the Governor's press release
- Click here to see adverse events definitions and implementation guidance from the National Quality Forum (PDF)