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.

Public Reports

• Public Health Council Presentation on Serious Reportable Events in Massachusetts Hospitals - December 2011    
• January – June 2011 Serious Reportable Events in Massachusetts Acute Care Hospitals 
• January – June 2011 Serious Reportable Events in Massachusetts Non-Acute Care Hospitals 
• 2010 Serious Reportable Events in Massachusetts Acute Care Hospitals 
• 2010 Serious Reportable Events in Massachusetts Non-Acute Care Hospitals 

• 2009 Report: Serious Reportable Events in Massachusetts Acute Care Hospitals

• 2008 Report: Serious Reportable Events in Massachusetts Acute Care Hospitals

• Interim Report on Serious Reportable Events in Massachusetts Hospitals - December 2008 

• Summary of Information and Best Practices - Betsy Lehman Center

Regulatory Information and Guidance

• Circular Letters Related to Reporting SREs

• Hospital Fax Form with Directions    

• Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 111, Section 51H: Reporting about healthcare-associated infections and serious reportable events; charges or reimbursements for resulting services prohibited

Links

• Betsy Lehman Center for Patient Safety and Medical Error Reduction

• HealthyMass Serious Reportable Events Task Force

• National Quality Forum - Serious Reportable Events in Healthcare Consensus Report (2008)

• National Quality Forum - Serious Reportable Events in Healthcare Consensus Report (2007)

   

 

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This information is provided by the Division of Health Care Quality within the Department of Public Health.