Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett has introduced a proposal that would merge the state Patient Safety Authority into the Department of Health, according to a Philadelphia Inquirer report.
The plan is part of Gov. Corbett's goal of streamlining state operations. However, the Patient Safety Authority's board penned a resolution yesterday that stated the merger would eliminate one of the organization's strong points — its independence. The authority, which was created under legislation in 2002, has reportedly gathered more than 1 million reports of errors from state hospitals, surgery centers and nursing homes. The data is used to devise prevention methods.
An official from the Department of Health said it was aware of the authority's concerns, which would be addressed this spring.
The plan is part of Gov. Corbett's goal of streamlining state operations. However, the Patient Safety Authority's board penned a resolution yesterday that stated the merger would eliminate one of the organization's strong points — its independence. The authority, which was created under legislation in 2002, has reportedly gathered more than 1 million reports of errors from state hospitals, surgery centers and nursing homes. The data is used to devise prevention methods.
An official from the Department of Health said it was aware of the authority's concerns, which would be addressed this spring.
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