Adverse Health Events and Incident Reporting System

Adverse Events are medical errors healthcare facilities could and should have avoided. The National Quality Forum (NQF) defines these errors, also called Serious Reportable Events. It lists 28 adverse events as reportable errors. The events may result in patient death or serious disability.

Washington State law requires healthcare facilities to report to the Department of Health whenever they confirm an adverse event. (Chapter 70.56 RCW) Facilities required to report are: hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, child birthing centers, Department of Corrections medical facilities, and ambulatory surgical facilities. The department manages aggregate data on adverse events and posts quarterly reports on this website. Prior to 2011, the department used data collected in quality improvement consultations.

Program Update: Staffing will not be available for site consultation. The department will continue to collect adverse events data and root cause analysis reports, and post quarterly reports until further notice.

Additional information:

• List of Adverse Events and definitions
(240 KB PDF)
• Full description of Adverse Events: NQF Adverse Events 2006 Update
(976 KB PDF) 
• Determining if an error is a reportable adverse event
• How to report adverse event
• Adverse Events Quarterly Reports

For more information or assistance please contact:

Kathy Schmitt, MPA

Manager, Research, Analysis, and Data Section

Phone: 360-236-2869

Email: Kathy.Schmitt@doh.wa.gov