This bill establishes a framework for the reporting of serious reportable events by healthcare facilities, including hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and birth centers in Iowa. It mandates that each facility report any serious reportable event to the director of the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) within 15 working days of discovery. The reports must identify the facility but exclude any identifying information about healthcare professionals, employees, or patients involved. Following an event, facilities are required to conduct a root cause analysis and either implement a corrective action plan or provide reasons for not taking corrective action. The bill also allows for electronic reporting and emphasizes the confidentiality of the reports and related data.
Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the director in establishing a reporting system that facilitates quality improvement in healthcare without punishing errors. It includes provisions for collaboration with other state agencies and mandates that various professional licensing boards maintain records of complaints that qualify as serious reportable events. These boards must report such events to the director within 30 working days. The bill aims to enhance patient safety and accountability within the healthcare system while ensuring that the reporting process is efficient and confidential.