February 12, 2026

New report supports effort to reinvigorate PFACs in Massachusetts

The Betsy Lehman Center’s first annual report on the impact of Patient and Family Advisory Councils across the state is now available. This new resource is part of the Center's work to strengthen statewide PFACs and improve patient and family engagement in health care safety. Drawing from 51 hospital PFAC reports submitted to the Center this past fall, the report assesses the current state of PFACs and explores common themes, challenges and accomplishments.

Read the story

AI chatbots top ECRI’s list of health technology hazards for 2026

ECRI's new list of top health technology hazards highlights growing concerns about how AI chatbots are being used in health care settings. Marcus Schabacker, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of ECRI, notes that the use of chatbots is becoming normalized, which poses a particular risk in health care. “When something seems helpful and definitive, people begin to rely on it without question…That’s the problem.”

Read the executive brief

Improving emergency preparedness in skilled nursing facilities

This week, the Betsy Lehman Center co-sponsored a webinar to support Massachusetts skilled nursing facilities as they strengthen emergency preparedness. Experts discuss effective readiness plans, and local managers talk about what they learned from recent first-hand experiences with emergencies in their facilities. The session was hosted in partnership with the Massachusetts Senior Care Association, Department of Public Health, and Executive Office of Aging & Independence.

Watch the webinar

Upcoming events

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Feb 20

The Master Class Writing Workshop in Quality Improvement Studies. This free, two-session workshop helps health care professionals turn completed QI projects into publishable manuscripts. Hosted by the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority, the program offers practical guidance and mentorship from experienced patient safety editors. Apply here

Mar 10

12 - 1 p.m.

Study the Course: Navigating the Patient Safety Structural Measures. This American Society for Health Care Risk Management webinar offers an overview of the CMS Patient Safety Structural Measures, including key domains, common challenges, and practical strategies for meeting expectations. Register here

Mar 11

12 - 1 p.m.

Learning Health Systems Grand Rounds — Allan Walkey, MD. The Massachusetts Institute for Excellence and Quality in Learning Health Systems will host Allan Walkey, M.D., for its upcoming Grand Rounds session. Register here

The Betsy Lehman Center is a Massachusetts state agency that supports providers, patients and policymakers working together to advance the safety and quality of health care.

BetsyLehmanCenterMA.gov