NCAL and NJ Hospital Association form patient safety organization for assisted living

The National Center for Assisted Living and the New Jersey Hospital Association have formed the National Patient Safety Organization for Assisted Living.

The organization is the first to electronically collect data on clinical performance from NCAL’s participating assisted living members. It is designed to gather information on safety in assisted living. Data being sought includes hospital readmissions, the off-label use of antipsychotics, medication errors, falls and fall assessments, pressure ulcers, and pain management.

“NCAL members will be able to identify where they can improve, partner with other area providers and demonstrate their dedication to their residents,” said NCAL Executive Director David Kyllo.
 
PSOs, created under federal law, are a group of independent external experts who can analyze the underlying causes of patient safety incidents. Those who participate can potentially reduce liability costs and exposure, according to NCAL.