Each year, some 44,000-98,000 people die in US hospitals as a result of a "preventable adverse event." Medical errors are the eighth leading cause of death in America, costing an estimated $17-$29 billion annually.

In order to protect members from the deadly impact of medical errors, the GIC has voted to require each HMO, the Commonwealth PPO, and the Plus Plan to implement a patient safety program for the fiscal year 2002 contract. The GIC Indemnity Plan will participate on a modified basis, since it does not contract directly with the hospitals. Insurers will have three years in which to phase in the safety programs.

The most common preventable medical errors involve prescription drug errors. Drug errors range from adverse reactions to multiple drugs to dispensing the wrong medication. These errors can be resolved by instituting a computerized physician order entry (CPOE) system, whereby the doctor prescribes the medication electronically. This system utilizes new computer technologies to track all patient prescriptions and avoid mistakes involving handwritten scripts.

Steps are also being taken to improve safety standards in intensive care units to ensure proper physician staffing and reduce the number of postoperative complications. Traditionally, ICUs and operating rooms are the highest risk areas in hospitals.

"When we are looking at the eighth leading cause of death in the US being preventable medical errors, it is hard to argue with what the GIC is trying to do. People should be confident that they are safe from preventable mistakes," said Association Legislative Liaison Shawn Duhamel. "It's commendable to see the GIC at the cutting edge of what is a national issue."