Medical error information should be readily available

Over 98,000 people die each year as a result of preventable medical errors.

A plane crash would need to occur every day in the United States for an entire year to even come close to the preventable medical error death toll.

More than 150 people were tragically killed Wednesday when an airliner swerved off the runway and crashed at Madrid Barajas Airport. Can you imagine the FAA or the general public tolerating a daily tragedy of this magnitude?

When an airplane crashes, we know when, where and most times, why the plane crashed. Why isn't the same information available about preventable medical errors in our health facilities?

AARP urges Health Commissioner Heather Howard to reveal medical error data by health care facilities. New Jerseyans have the right to know which hospitals are the safest so they can make educated health care choices. Public disclosure will give hospitals a strong incentive to redouble their efforts to improve care, implement safety processes and prevent errors.

Government leaders have 98,000 reasons to work towards better healthcare transparency in our great nation. It is time for New Jersey to lead the charge and disclose hospital-specific error data to protect our state's health consumer.
Marilyn Askin
Chief Legislative Advocate
AARP New Jersey State Office
Princeton