New England Journal of Medicine reports that use of a simple checklist significantly reduces surgical complications and death. The Commission and its partners in the Oregon IHI Network are working to assure statewide implementation this year.

How should health care facilities notify patients and families of adverse events (medical errors)? The Commission is committed to facilitating open discussion and disclosure, including written notification.

The Oregon Patient Safety Commission has released a first-ever look at overall patient safety in Oregon. This effort is in support of our "North Star" goal that Oregon can develop the safest healthcare delivery system in the nation by 2010. The report addresses six critical areas. For each area the Commission established a benchmark (where we are now) and a target (where we need to be by the end of 2010).

The Patient Safety Commission provides a short summary of resources available to help patients and their families as they interact with the health care system.

On June 23, the Patient Safety Commission held a public hearing in regards to its proposed biennial budget. The Commission board approved this budget on Thursday, June 25. The budget includes no increases on fees to health care facilities.

Over half of all Oregon ASCs have joined the Commission's adverse event reporting program. Amy Gryziec is the Patient Safety Commission's Field Coordinator for ambulatory surgery centers. You can reach Amy at 503.227.2632 or E-mail her at amy.gryziec@oregonpatientsafety.org.

56 of Oregon's 58 hospitals participate in the adverse event reporting program. Leslie Ray is the Commission's Field Coordinator for hospitals. You can reach Leslie at 503.224.9227 or E-mail her at leslie.ray@oregonpatientsafety.org.

Over 75% of Oregon's nursing homes have agreed to participate in the adverse event reporting program. Amy Gryziec is the Commission's Field Coordinator for nursing homes. You can reach Amy at 503.227.2632 or E-mail her at amy.gryziec@oregonpatientsafety.org.

A growing number of retail pharmacies have joined Oregon's innovative adverse event reporting program. Leslie Ray is the Commission's Field Coordinator for retail pharmacies. You can reach Leslie at 503.224.9227 or E-mail her at leslie.ray@oregonpatientsafety.org.