North Texas News

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) and Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (D-CA) have introduced the National Patient Safety Board Act, aiming to enhance patient safety in healthcare settings. The bill proposes the establishment of a National Patient Safety Board (NPSB) within the Department of Health and Human Services to collaborate with federal agencies in identifying and addressing potential sources of harm.

In a statement, Congressman Burgess emphasized the importance of the bill, saying, "The National Patient Safety Board Act will establish an independent board that will work in collaboration with the various Department of Health and Human Services agencies to conduct patient safety studies by using non-punitive, technology integrated approaches to identify major sources of harmful patient safety events, and create recommendations to prevent those unfortunate events in the future."

Congresswoman Barragán also highlighted the significance of the legislation, stating, "We must ensure that our health care system continues to improve on the safety of patients, caregivers, and healthcare workers. Every American deserves safe and quality health care."

James Gelfand, President and CEO of The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC), expressed support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of an independent board utilizing autonomous technology to prevent healthcare-related harm. Gelfand urged Congress to advance the legislation to enhance patient safety and protect patients.

The National Patient Safety Board Act has garnered support from 93 members of the National Patient Safety Board Advocacy Coalition. The need for such legislation is underscored by the alarming statistic that as many as 400,000 deaths occur annually as a result of medical errors or preventable harm.