NY A11180

Hospitals must report adverse events to the Department of Health within 24 hours of obtaining knowledge that an event has occurred, and must complete written investigation reports within 30 days for serious incidents including patient deaths, equipment malfunctions, fires, and strikes.

Expands reportable adverse events to include serious crimes on hospital premises and other serious adverse events determined by the Commissioner in consultation with national standards and expert advice.

Requires general hospitals and certain diagnostic and treatment centers to establish Patient Safety Committees chaired by a Patient Safety Officer reporting to the chief executive officer, with quarterly reports to the hospital's governing body on safety activities and recommendations.

Establishes civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation for failure to timely report or investigate adverse events, with increased penalties up to $7,500 for repeat violations within 12 months and up to $10,000 when serious physical harm results, plus $500 per day for late investigation report submissions.

Removes sunset provisions that were set to expire March 31, 2011, making enhanced penalties and adverse event reporting requirements permanent.