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  2. DPH: Serious Incident - Clinics and ASCs [Text-based version]

How clinics and ASCs report Serious Incidents to the Department of Public Health

1. Immediately

If the Serious Incident involved any of the following, call DPH and then complete step 2:

  • Unanticipated death
  • Evacuation of the facility
  • Fire
  • Suicide
  • A serious criminal act
  • Pending/actual strike
  • Reports on surgery and anesthesia-related complications as required by 105 CMR 140.611

If not, go directly to step 2.

2. Within 7 Days

Submit an electronic report using the Virtual Gateway - Healthcare Facility Reporting System (HCFRS)


Tips:

Not familiar with DPH’s online reporting system? You can get enrollment help, training materials, and more from DPH.

Keep in mind that any patient death that is unanticipated or unrelated to the patient’s underlying condition, whether or not it resulted from an error, should be immediately reported to the Department of Public Health by phone.

Resources

Related DPH forms and instructions

Laws: 105 § CMR 140.307(A)

Contact:

Department of Public Health, Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality

Business hours:
617-753-8150

Non-business hours:
617-363-0755 or 617-469-1111

Fax: 617-753-8165

www.mass.gov/dph/bhcsq

We hope these instructions helped you meet this reporting requirement. Be aware that this action may not fulfill all applicable reporting requirements associated with the event.

This document is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute regulatory guidance or legal advice. Links and information in this document may be outdated. The Betsy Lehman Center does not represent or warrant that this information is accurate, complete, or current. For further terms and conditions, see the Terms of Use.

The Patient Safety Navigator is provided by the Betsy Lehman Center for informational purposes. You cannot submit adverse event reports or other data through the Navigator. Your use of the Navigator will not be monitored, and no data will be collected beyond what is explicitly noted in the Website Privacy Statement. Although the Betsy Lehman Center intends to maintain the Navigator’s contents, we cannot guarantee that the information will be accurate, complete, or up-to-date at all times. You should be aware that regulations and reporting systems are subject to change without our knowledge or could be interpreted differently by the agencies that oversee them. By using the Navigator, you agree that you are solely responsible for determining any reporting obligations applicable to you or your organization. For further terms and conditions, see the Terms of Use.
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