Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality April 2010 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This notice announces a meeting to discuss the technical specifications for AHRQ's common definitions and reporting formats (Common Formats) Version 1.1 that allow for reporting of patient safety information to Patient Safety Organizations (PSOs). The Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005, 42 U.S.C. 299b-21 to b-26, (Patient Safety Act) provides for the formation of PSOs, which collect, aggregate, and analyze confidential information regarding the quality and safety of healthcare delivery. The Patient Safety Act (at 42 U.S.C. 299b-23) authorizes the collection of this information in a standardized manner, as explained in the related Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Final Rule, 42 CFR part 3 (Patient Safety Rule), published in the Federal Register on November 21, 2008: 73 FR 70731- 70814. As authorized by the Secretary of HHS, AHRQ coordinates the development of the Common Formats that allow healthcare providers to voluntarily collect and submit standardized information regarding patient safety events. More information on the Common Formats Version 1.1, including the technical specifications, can be obtained through AHRQ's PSO Web site: https://www.PSO.AHRQ.gov/.