Patient Safety

As part of its mission to protect, maintain, and improve the health of all Minnesotans, the Department of Health is a leader in promoting patient safety and the prevention of adverse health events. MDH is a partner in the Minnesota Alliance for Patient Safety, a broad-based partnership established by MDH, the Minnesota Hospital Association, and the Minnesota Medical Association and since joined by over 50 stakeholder groups.

MDH also administers the Adverse Health Care Events Reporting System. This reporting system, established in 2003, requires all Minnesota hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and community behavioral health hospitals to report whenever one of 28 "never events" occurs. Reportable events include surgery on the wrong patient or body part, objects retained in a patient’s body after surgery, death associated with a fall, and death or serious disability from a medication error.

By supporting learning and accountability, this system is helping to improve patient safety across the state, and serves as a model for other states interested in developing mandatory public reporting systems.

Search facilities' adverse events reporting
Searchable database that displays reports about individual hospitals.

Information for consumers, patients and families
Factsheets and links specifically for consumers and patients.

Adverse events reporting system
List of 28 reportable events, links to statute, background sheets and articles.

Wrong-site surgery
Minnesota research and recommendations related to prevention of wrong site surgery, retained objects, and other surgical events.

Patient safety publications
Current and previous reports on patient safety.

Patient safety links
Links to other sites with safety and quality information.

Patient safety training
Past and upcoming training.