Serious Reportable Event (SREs)

Through Massachusetts law (chapter 305 of the Acts of 2008) hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers are required to report Serious Reportable Events (SREs) to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). NQF serious reportable events are adverse events that are of concern to both the public and healthcare professionals and providers; clearly identifiable and measurable, and thus feasible to include in a reporting system; and of a nature such that the risk of occurrence is significantly influenced by the policies and procedures of the healthcare facility.

The law also prohibits hospitals from charging for these events or seeking reimbursement for SRE-related services. Through regulation, the Department has defined SREs to meet the National Quality Forum's definitions of twenty-eight such events.