'Open Disclosure' to be required in all heath care facilities

The Communique issued by the Australian Health Ministers' Conference held on 18 April notes that:

"Ministers agreed to work towards implementing an Open Disclosure standard in all health care facilities noting that New South Wales and Queensland already have standards in place."

According to the Communique, "The standard aims to promote a clear and consistent approach by hospitals and other organisations to open communication with patients and their families following an adverse health care event. This includes a discussion about what has happened, why it happened and what is being done to prevent it from happening again".

Further details on the standard will be advised as they become available.