HB 1851 - DIGEST

Directs the department, in consultation with the office of the insurance commissioner, to develop and adopt criteria in rule for approval of medical error reduction programs. In developing criteria, the department shall rely heavily upon evidence-based practices to improve patient safety that have been identified and recommended by governmental and private organizations, including but not limited to: (1) The federal agency for healthcare quality and research;

(2) The federal institute of medicine;

(3) The joint commission on accreditation of healthcare organizations; and

(4) The national quality forum.

Provides that, beginning January 1, 2004, as part of any rate filing under RCW 48.19.040 submitted to the commissioner, insurers shall file with the commissioner a credit against the rate or rates applicable for medical malpractice coverage for physicians, hospitals, other health care professionals, or other health care facilities to reflect the initiation of a medical error reduction program or programs that have been approved by the department of health under this act.