Contra Costa Regional Medical Center Successfully Completes its First Ever MERP Survey With Zero Deficiencies

Congratulations to All!

CCRMC Passes First Ever Medication Error Reduction Plan Survey With High Praise

Medication errors are among the most common medical errors, harming at least 1.5 million people annually. In the United States in hospital settings alone, medication errors account for more than 7,000 deaths and an estimated $3.5 billion in extra medical costs to treat drug-related injuries each year.

To address this problem, the California State Assembly passed legislation in 2001 requiring that all general acute care hospitals and certain other facilities adopt a formal plan to eliminate or substantially reduce medication-related errors, known as a Medication Error Reduction Plan (MERP). The triennial survey is unannounced. The MERP survey is a comprehensive, organization-wide look at medication error reduction policies, practices, plans and processes. The surveyors look closely at hospital processes, including how medication safety for patients is assured through use of technology such as electronic order entry procedures.

This week Contra Costa Regional Medical Center successfully completed its MERP survey with zero deficiencies.

MERP surveyors were impressed by our staff’s knowledge of medication error reduction practices. The surveyors commended our highly visible level of multidisciplinary teamwork and collaboration stating "your strong multidisciplinary involvement of all staff shows through." Highlighted as a "unique strength" was the placement of pharmacy service on the units bringing services closer to the patient and their experience.

The results of the survey are a testament to your commitment and dedication to providing safe, high-quality care to our patients. I am confident that we are moving toward the promise of delivering safe, effective, efficient, timely, patient-centered and equitable care to every patient, every time.

You have stepped forward and challenged the status quo. You have learned together one test at a time, demonstrating that big change begins with a bold aim and a small test.

Enjoy this moment. We should be proud.

Sincerely,
Anna