Advancing health care safety in Massachusetts

A state government agency working with providers, patients and policymakers to reduce preventable harm in all health care settings

Our story

Featured work

The Center’s work is guided by the groundbreaking Roadmap to Health Care Safety for Massachusetts. This strategic action plan is designed to break through the barriers that have stood in the way of progress for decades. 

Our strategy

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Cost of medical error

Patient harm happens in all health care settings. In hospitals, almost 1 in 4 patients will experience a harm event, costing Massachusetts payers an estimated $2.14 billion annually.

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Automated adverse event monitoring in hospitals

The Center is piloting a new, technology-enabled approach to detect patient harm in near real time, dramatically improving safety.

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Improving health care safety education

The Center is leading the effort to develop a statewide safety curriculum and educational standards for health care professionals.

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Peer support for health care professionals

Need help coping with the stresses of working in health care today? The Virtual Peer Support Network can match you with a colleague in Massachusetts for peer-to-peer support.

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Communication, Apology and Resolution (CARe)

CARe is a model for more promptly, fairly, and compassionately meeting the needs of patients who have been harmed.

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Patient Safety Beat

Patient Safety Beat is the Betsy Lehman Center’s monthly email newsletter reporting on health care safety news and updates on progress across Massachusetts.

View current issue

OCTOBER 2025

New videos feature PFAC members at Beth Israel Deaconess and Southcoast Health

OCTOBER 2025

Barbra Rabson on the urgent need to address challenges in primary care

OCTOBER 2025

No decline in hospital sharps injuries in 10 years

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