Commissioner asked to reveal medical error data

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 recently 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 facility. 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 toward better health care 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 consumers.

Marilyn Askin

Chief Legislative Advocate AARP New Jersey State Office

Princeton