AARP Needs Your Help to Pass Medical Error Legislation in New Jersey

Read about one person’s hospital nightmare

Source: AARP.org

A survey conducted last year in New Jersey by AARP showed that, of those surveyed, more 30% had either experienced a medical error or knew someone who had. In New Jersey, the public has not had access to any comprehensive information about the safety of the state’s hospitals. For example, it’s impossible to find out which hospitals experienced the largest number of bed sores, falls or certain surgical errors.

Those of you who read the AARP Bulletin online may already know the story of Mr. Eduardo Rivero. He almost had the wrong side of his head operated on. Here’s his story.

Many of you will remember our writing about the tragedy of Richard Flagg who ultimately lost his life when the wrong lung was operated on. Courageous New Jerseyans have been coming forward to tell their stories in the hopes that this would make a difference. It has.

Two weeks ago, the State Senate unanimously passed the Hospital Error Accountability Law or HEAL. This bill will provide the public with information about hospital safety records AND will prohibit hospitals from demanding payment for necessary treatment following certain medical errors such as wrong-site surgery and incorrect blood transfusions. (Currently, those on Medicare and Medicaid are protected, but those with private insurance or no insurance could still be charged by the hospital).

Now AARP needs your help to get the bill passed by the Assembly before the end of this legislative session. This is urgent and we ask you to please contact your Assembly members as soon as possible. Urge them to support Assembly Bill A3633. It’s easy to call! Use the AARP hotline and you’ll be connected with your legislator:

1-800-844-2272

Do you have a story you would like to share about a medical error you or a family member experienced? AARP New Jersey is still collecting stories for possible publication and work with New Jersey media outlets. Please send us your story via email at aarpnj@aarp.org

To find out more  information about your legislator, click the following link:  http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/members/legsearch.asp

To see Mr. Rivero’s story, go to http://bulletin.aarp.org/states/nj/articles/aarp_new_jersey.html.

Related Articles:

Public to Get First Look at Hospitals’ Worst Mistakes

Other resources:

New Jersey Legislature website, bill webpage
Senator Vitale's website