Law proposed as a result of recent Rhode Island medical mistakes
Following a series of surgical errors which occurred last year at Rhode Island Hospital, where doctors operated on the wrong-side of three different patients’ heads, state lawmakers have proposed a new bill designed to reduce the risk that these types of preventable medical mistakes will happen in the future. If the legislation passes, similar bills could be introduced in other states throughout the United States.
>>PRIOR POST (1/14/2008): Rhode Island Medical Malpractice for Wrong Site Surgery
Rhode Island lawmakers introduced a bill which would create a “Patient Safety Organization” to monitor, mediate and attempt to fix problems which could lead to medical mistakes. The Organization would be charged with the duty of identifying the potential causes for Rhode Island medical malpractice and fixing the problems before patients at hospitals and nursing homes are hurt.
Last year, three different surgeons at Rhode Island Hospital operated on the wrong side of their patients’ brain. Two of the procedures were aborted after the doctor realized they had cut through the skull at the wrong location, and one patient died from the medical error. The surgical mistakes at Rhode Island Hospital were attributed to the hospital’s failure to train and educate their doctors and nurses about protocols established to prevent such errors.
Rhode Island hospitals are already required to report incidents which were harmful or fatal to patients, which are then reviewed after the fact. However, only a small portion of all errors are actually reported under this system, since doctors, hospitals and nurses are not required to report cases where medical mistakes occurred without harm to the patient.
Lawmakers want to require reporting of incidents, even if medical malpractice was narrowly avoided. While these accidents do not result in harm to the patient, other doctors may not be so lucky. Tracking the all errors would allow the Patient Safety Organization to make recommendations to Rhode Island medical providers to help prevent problems by other healthcare providers.
Medical Malpractice Attorneys
The medical malpractice attorneys at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. represent victims of medical mistakes throughout the country. When a doctor, hospital or nurse fails to exercise the proper degree of care, serious injuries can result. If you, a friend or family member suspect that an injury was caused by a medical mistake, request a free consultation and malpractice lawsuit evaluation.
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