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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Join the pilot: Automated adverse event monitoring

Apply to be a pilot site for new technology that detects 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 and Family Advisory Councils

Patients and families serve on their hospital’s PFAC to help improve care and better serve their communities.

The latest news delivered to your inbox

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

JULY 2025

Assessing patients’ social needs yields success at The Birthplace at Baystate Franklin

JULY 2025

New format available to simplify, bolster PFAC annual reporting

MAY 2025

Cost of harm in Massachusetts hospitals pegged at $2.14 billion annually; opportunity for significant savings proposed

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