Clearing the err

Absent an infinitesimal percentage, most Americans seek health care services due to a legitimate health issue. Fundamental within this relationship is the understanding that health care professionals will do everything within their power and expertise to alleviate the suffering of each patient they treat. Unfortunately, preventable medical errors do occur, and the innocent patient is left to suffer. In 1999, the Institute of Medicine released To ERR Is Human: Building A Safer Health System, the first mainstream publication calling for a change in the culture of health care and the eradication of preventable medical errors. In the 10 years since its publication, federal and state governments and agencies have been proactive in attempting to meet the recommendations originally proposed in To ERR Is Human. This article will review what has been accomplished in this time frame.