March 1, 2010

AG PUSHES FOR PUBLIC MEDICAL DISCLOSURE

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal says since 2004 about 116 people in our state have died due to medical errors. He points to public disclosure as the best cure to lowering the number of medical mistakes. And he revealed that a bill before state lawmakers would do just that.

The senate proposal requires the Department of Public Health to publish an annual report on adverse incidents at hospitals and conduct random audits.

There are also safeguards to protect whistle blowers reporting medical errors.

Supporters say the public has the right to know.

Bill Smith says the circumstances of his wife's death were not released.

"She was approximately one hour into recovery when all of a sudden she flat-lined or something happened. By the time medical folks got to her bedside, they were able to resuscitate her in approximately one minute however she was already brain dead and went on life support," said Smith.

"There was no investigation done by the hospital and the information that would have detailed what happened to her was intentionally destroyed," said Smith family Attorney Joel Faxon.

Faxon said families are forced to go to court to get answers. Five states -- including Massachusetts -- already have a similar law in place.