Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

KickerFeaturesSectionsNewsLJN NewslettersMedical Malpractice Law & Strategy

The July 2006 IOM Report on Medication Errors

By Michael Brophy
August 31, 2006

For the second time in less than a decade, a report by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) was released in July. The previous IOM report on the subject, released in 1999 and titled, 'To Err Is Human,' rocked the medical community when it estimated that 44,000-98,000 Americans die each year as a result of medical errors. Similarly, the report released in July documents significant shortcomings in the provision of medical services in this country and startlingly points out that medication errors continue to harm at least 1.5 million people every year. According to the new report, the problem is so serious that, on the average, a hospital patient is subject to at least one medication error per day. The IOM estimates that the additional costs of treating medication-related injuries ' those occurring in hospitals alone ' can conservatively be estimated at $3.5 billion per year. At least one quarter of all such injuries are apparently preventable.

Why Another Study?

It is helpful to consider both the recent as well as long-term history of similar studies to place the IOM Report in proper perspective. Initially, following the 1999 publication of 'To Err is Human,' Congress ordered the IOM to 'carry out a comprehensive study of drug safety and quality issues in order to provide a blueprint for system-wide change.' Congress defined the objective of the study in the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 (Section 107(c)) to include development of a full understanding of drug safety and quality issues through a comprehensive review of literature, case studies, and analysis. This review was designed to consider the nature and causes of medication errors and their impact on patients, as well as the differences in causation, impact and prevention across multiple dimensions of healthcare delivery (including not only patient populations, but care settings, clinicians, and institutional cultures). Congress also mandated that the IOM develop credible estimates of the incidence, severity, and costs of medication errors, which could be useful in prioritizing resources for national quality and preventive efforts and, beyond that, influence national healthcare policy.

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
Yachts, Jets, Horses & Hooch: Specialized Commercial Leasing Models Image

Defining commercial real estate asset class is essentially a property explaining how it identifies — not necessarily what its original intention was or what others think it ought to be. This article discusses, from a general issue-spot and contextual analysis perspective, how lawyers ought to think about specialized leasing formats and the regulatory backdrops that may inform what the documentation needs to contain for compliance purposes.

Hyperlinked Documents: The Latest e-Discovery Challenge Image

As courts and discovery experts debate whether hyperlinked content should be treated the same as traditional attachments, legal practitioners are grappling with the technical and legal complexities of collecting, analyzing and reviewing these documents in real-world cases.

Identifying Your Practice's Differentiator Image

How to Convey Your Merits In a Way That Earns Trust, Clients and Distinctions Just as no two individuals have the exact same face, no two lawyers practice in their respective fields or serve clients in the exact same way. Think of this as a "Unique Value Proposition." Internal consideration about what you uniquely bring to your clients, colleagues, firm and industry can provide untold benefits for your law practice.

Risks and Ad Fraud Protection In Digital Advertising Image

The ever-evolving digital marketing landscape, coupled with the industry-wide adoption of programmatic advertising, poses a significant threat to the effectiveness and integrity of digital advertising campaigns. This article explores various risks to digital advertising from pixel stuffing and ad stacking to domain spoofing and bots. It will also explore what should be done to ensure ad fraud protection and improve effectiveness.

Turning Business Development Plans Into Reality Image

This article offers practical insights and best practices to navigate the path from roadmap to rainmaking, ensuring your business development efforts are not just sporadic bursts of activity, but an integrated part of your daily success.