Ohio
Ohio previously had quality-of-care reporting requirements for nine types of care commonly provided in hospitals. Those rules have since been rescinded. Currently, Ohio requires hospitals to report the frequency with which certain commonly accepted best practices (e.g. administration of aspirin following a heart attack) are adhered to, as well as the frequency of various adverse events (e.g. respiratory failure following surgery). Reports are to be filed on a semi-annual basis.
According to this presentation, Ohio is in the process of implementing new adverse event reporting legislation. The Ohio Department of Health, Division of Quality Assurance hopes to begin mandatory reporting in fall 2009. A website for consumers will be operational in early 2010.
| Authorizing statutes or regulations | Ohio Revised Code, Title 37, Chapter 3727, Section 41 | |
| Authorizing statutes or regulations | Ohio Administrative Code, Chapter 3701-14, Section 2 | |
| Reportable event forms | Annual Hospital Disclosure Quality Measures Reporting Form |
For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 
