New Massachusetts Law Calls for Public Reporting of Quality Information

Becker’s Clinical Quality & Infection Control writes: The new Massachusetts healthcare spending law requires a new state agency — the Center for Health Information and Analysis — to publicly gather and publish consumer information on healthcare quality and prices. The information includes data on healthcare-associated infections and other adverse events at healthcare facilities. The provision is intended to help consumers make more informed decisions on healthcare services. The law also requires the state’s Department of Public Health to encourage checklists designed to prevent medical errors and patient harm in hospitals and surgery centers.