Patient safety: a priority in the US Department of Health and Human Services

Abstract

This descriptive article provides information about some of the major patient safety initiatives within the operating and staff divisions of the US Department of Health and Human Services. The research for this article was done using the internet. Many health professionals and consumers turn first to the internet while researching a disease or new diagnosis, or while seeking general health information. It is important for nurse administrators to know what resources are readily available to help them implement regulatory requirements, what voluntary programs exist for reporting problems with medical products, what resources are available for consumers to make informed health choices, and where they can get information about specific Department of Health and Human Services programs.