| For Immediate Release | For more information contact: |
| May 18, 2001 | Jessie Roos (651-296-9719) |
ST. PAUL -- A measure allowing healthcare providers to share information on medical errors and "near misses" was passed by the Minnesota House of Representatives last week and signed into law by the Governor on Thursday. The chief author of the bill, Representative Carl Jacobson (R-Vadnais Heights), said the legislation will allow groups to work together to prevent medical errors in the future. Estimates are that errors cost Minnesotan's nearly $1billion each year.
"The ultimate goal of this legislation is to protect patients by allowing medical organizations to share information in an effort to learn more about why and how medical errors and 'near misses' occur," said Rep. Jacobson as he addressed the members of the House of Representatives. "And, by allowing this sharing of information, medical professionals can learn how to prevent them. Medical professionals and patients alike will be more informed about the types of errors that occur."
The legislation -- House File 1081/Senate File 560 -- will allow peer review organizations participating in a standardized incident reporting system to share information and to analyze trends in medical errors and "near misses." "Near misses" are not categorized as medical errors, but as mistakes. The legislation contains a provision to prohibit the release of information that includes the identity of the patient involved in the situation. The legislation also prohibits the use of the data in legal proceedings. "By encouraging information-sharing, we can prevent future medical errors and ensure a healthier future for all Minnesotans," said Jacobson.
The Minnesota Senate unanimously passed the legislation, and with the signature of Governor Ventura, the legislation will become effective in July.
State Representative Carl Jacobson is in his first term as a legislator, representing House District 53B which includes the communities of Gem Lake, Little Canada, Maplewood, North Oaks, Shoreview, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake, and White Bear Township. He serves on the House Health & Human Services Policy Committee as well as the full Tax Committee and Sales & Income Tax Division of the Tax Committee.
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