Anticoagulant medications are known to be high-risk for adverse drug events. Although direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) require less monitoring than warfarin, they are still associated with an increased risk of patient harm if not prescribed and administered correctly. The Joint Commission has issued a new sentinel event alert to raise awareness of the risks related to DOACs, and in particular, the challenges associated with stopping bleeding in patients on these medications. The alert suggests that health care organizations develop patient education materials, policies, and evidence-based guidelines to ensure that DOACs and reversal agents are used appropriately. A past WebM&M commentary discussed common errors related to the use of DOACs.

This bill calls for a prohibition of mandatory overtime and limiting the work week to 12 hours a day or 60 hours a week for non-supervisory health care employees in Pennsylvania.  It is presently under consideration by Pennsylvania's General Assembly.

In this statement, AHRQ Director Carolyn Clancy reviews the work of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and other health care entities to build support for research and improvements in patient safety.