The Tennessee Hospital Association has approved a policy recommending that hospitals in the state not seek payment for care related to certain serious adverse events if the hospital deems the event was preventable. The policy pertains to 11 events included in the National Quality Forum’s list of serious reportable events, and includes AHA’s guiding principles for hospitals implementing a no-charge policy for serious adverse events. "Tennessee hospitals are strongly committed to patient safety and quality care,” said THA President Craig Becker. “They are diligently working to develop a culture of safety and prevent serious adverse events from occurring. Fortunately, these are rare events (1/100th percent of admissions) but just one of these events is one too many. Not seeking payment from patients when it does happen is the right thing to do."