Definitions
- • Three ‘Adverse Events’ Versions
A reportable health care event in Florida is known as an ‘untoward’ or ‘adverse incident,’ and the administrative rules for hospitals/ASCs also define reportable outcomes from injuries. Three versions of the definitions are provided in Florida Statutes and Administrative code for multiple different practice settings.
The table below includes the definitions of ‘adverse incidents’ and injuries that are listed in the administrative rules for hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers [§59A-10.002(4), FAC]. Using comparative definitions for office practices of Medical / Osteopathic practitioners (which are the same), and adding the definitions for HMOs, one can compare the definition inclusions for each type of point of care.
Comparison of 3 Versions of Florida Definitions of Adverse Events
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No. |
Def |
Name / Description |
Versions |
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| Hospital | Office | HMO | |||
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| 1. | 4(c) | Unconsented Intervention |
X | – | – |
| 2. | 4(e) | Wrong surgical patient |
X | X | X |
| 3. | 4(f) | Wrong surgical site / body part |
X | X | – |
| 4. | 4(f) | Unexpected Procedure |
X | X | X |
| 5. | 4(f) | Wrong Procedure |
X | X | X |
| 6. | 4(f) | Retained Foreign Body requiring procedure |
X | X | – |
| 7. | 5(a) | Injury → Death |
X | X | X |
| 8. | 5(b) | Injury → Brain Damage |
X | X | X |
| 9. | 5(c) | Injury → Spinal Damage |
X | X | X |
| 10. | 5(d) | Injury → Permanent Disfigurement |
X | X | – |
| 11. | 5(e) | Injury → Fracture or dislocation |
X | X | – |
| 12. | 5(f) | Injury → Unplanned additional care requirement |
X | X | – |
| 13. | 5(g) | Injury → Condition requiring surgery |
X | – | – |
| 14. | 5(h) | Injury → Transfer to higher acuity care |
X | X | X |
| 15. | 5(i) | Injury → Increased LOS |
X | – | – |
| 16. | 5(j) | Injury → persisting physical impairment |
X | X | – |
| 17. | 5(j) | Injury → persisting neurological/sensory deficit |
X | X | – |
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- • Near-Miss Definition Added
In June 2004, the Florida legislature passed legislation authorizing the Florida Patient Safety Corporation. As part of this legislation, a “near-miss” patient safety reporting system is to be created within the Florida Patient Safety Corporation [§ 0381.0271(7)(a3), FS].
The definition of “near-miss” is . .
“any potentially harmful event that could have had an adverse result but, through chance or intervention in which, harm was prevented.” [§381.0271(7a.3), FS]
- • Editorial / Comments on Potential Florida Definitions Misclassification.
