Anyone having surgery should expect the highest quality standards at their facility. Thanks to the Health Error Accountability Law (HEAL), patient safety in N.J. hospitals is tracked through the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).
Yet, over 43 percent of surgeries occur in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), freestanding facilities specializing in outpatient surgeries and other procedures. Of the state’s 212 ASCs, only one-third are state licensed. Recent national and N.J. inspections uncovered serious problems in sterilization of equipment and improper cleaning standards. While conducting a quality survey, the state even forced one facility to close until their quality problems were rectified. But these inspections occur infrequently. More must be done to monitor ASC quality.
Under the leadership of Sen. Robert Gordon and Assemblyman Herb Conaway, legislation to address these issues is close to approval. Assembly Bill 3465 will require ASCs to use uniform billing codes so the state can better monitor preventable medical error data. Further, by mirroring the Hospital Acquired Infection Reporting Law for ASCs, N.J. will be able to track their rate of surgical infections. It’s time to have better oversight by both the state and consumers on the quality of care offered by ASCs.
Ken Lindhorst
AARP New Jersey Executive
Council
Summit