May

27

California fines 13 hospitals for never events, other errors

By Case Management Weekly

The California Department of Public Health has collected approximately $1.2 million in fines from hospitals for “never events” and other serious mishaps.

“Never events” are 28 occurrences on a list of inexcusable outcomes in healthcare settings compiled by the National Quality Forum. These adverse events are serious, largely preventable, and of concern to healthcare providers and the public for the purpose of accountability.

The latest round of fines included penalties for incidents such as failure to use respiratory equipment correctly and failure to transfuse a patient. One hospital failed to promptly investigate the alleged sexual assault of a patient by a staff member.  

The state plans to use the funds collected via fines for safety and error prevention educational programs.

Source: HealthLeaders Media