The National Advisory Council for Healthcare Research and Quality today in Washington convened the initial meeting of the
Subcommittee on Patient Safety and Medical Liability Reform Demonstrations, which will advise the council on promising approaches to medical liability reform and patient safety. Subcommittee members include AHA representative Steven Summer, CEO of the Colorado Hospital Association. Announced by the White House last month, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality initiative will provide $25 million in
planning and
demonstration grants to states and health systems to identify and test liability reform models that improve patient safety and reduce preventable injuries; foster better communication between doctors and patients; ensure patients are compensated in a fair and timely manner; and reduce liability premiums. AHRQ staff will host a conference call for potential applicants on Nov. 12. Grant applications are due by Jan. 20.
