Feds Appeal Block on Sanctions for Disclosing Medical Error Info

The HHS is appealing to the Eleventh Circuit a decision blocking it from penalizing a health-care provider for disclosing medical error-related information privileged under federal law. State law may force the hospital to produce the information in a state court medical malpractice case.

The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida in September enjoined the U.S. Health and Human Services Department from enforcing the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act’s penalty provision against Tampa General Hospital, which may be required by Florida law to reveal information privileged under the federal law. The HHS filed its notice of appeal ...