COMMISSION CALLS FOR MED-MAL DOCKET

A pilot malpractice docket for medical liability suits and a “patient safety center” to help prevent medical errors are among the final recommendations offered by a commission chaired by Ohio Insurance Director Ann Womer Benjamin.

Six states have established patient safety centers, with a general mission of coordinating patient safety efforts, identifying and educating health care providers about medical best practices, and developing data collection systems and protocols for error reporting.

The Ohio Medical Malpractice Commission’s report states that such a center in Ohio should be structured as a partnership among state government units and appropriate private institutions. The report said that while several patient safety initiatives are being pursued in Ohio, the establishment of a central authority is critical.

The commission’s report also recommends that the tort reforms comprising Senate Bill 281 remain in effect in Ohio with the expectation that it will help to stabilize the medical malpractice market over time.