| Abstract: | The author, the General Counsel of the joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, discusses the concerns that have been raised about the Commission's Patient Safety standards and Sentinel Event policy. Mr. Bressler understands the view that compliance with the Commission's standards and procedures (which are designed to help advance safety in our healthcare system) could, in particular cases and under certain circumstances, heighten litigation risks, but emphasizes the benefits attainable from systematic analysis of errors. Moreover, the article concludes that thoughtful lawyering by counsel for healthcare organizations can help minimize any risks, pending legislation establishing the needed certainty in the law. |
