Under Florida law, how many days do hospitals have to report a serious adverse event?

Florida law stipulates that hospitals are required to report a serious adverse event within 15 days of the event occurring. Adverse events may include things such as surgical errors, medication errors, or any incident that results in significant harm to a patient. This reporting requirement is in place to promote transparency and improve the quality of care by allowing for timely analysis and response to such incidents.

The timeframe established helps ensure that there is sufficient opportunity for a thorough investigation and follow-up on the serious event, facilitating the development of strategies to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The 15-day window reflects a balance between timely reporting and allowing hospitals to gather necessary information relating to the incident.

Consequently, while the initial thought might lean toward 10 days due to emphasis on quick reporting, the precise timeframe under the law for hospitals is 15 days, underscoring the importance of both accountability and the ability to respond comprehensively.