Maryland Ranks Third in Medical Malpractice Risk

Maryland Ranks Third in National Medical Malpractice Risk Study.A new national analysis has ranked Maryland as the third riskiest state for medical malpractice. The study was released by the Florida-based personal injury law firm FHV Legal. It examined data from the National Practitioner Data Bank.This ranking coincides with a separate report from the Maryland Department of Health. The state’s own data shows a fourth consecutive annual increase in medical errors. The findings highlight growing patient safety concerns within Maryland’s healthcare system.

High Payouts and Adverse Actions Drive Ranking

FHV Legal’s study gave Maryland a “Miscare Score” of 71.45. Only Delaware and South Carolina scored higher, indicating greater risk. The score is based on two key metrics from federal data.Maryland has the second-highest malpractice payout amount among the top ten states. The figure is $67.54 million per 1,000 practitioners. The state also has a high rate of Adverse Action Reports per practitioner.The risk is not evenly distributed across medical professions. Registered Nurses in Maryland received the highest Miscare Score. This was largely due to a high volume of adverse action reports.Osteopathic Physicians (DOs) ranked second in risk within the state. However, they recorded the highest malpractice payouts. Their payouts reached $203.58 million per 1,000 practitioners.

State Report Confirms Troubling Trend of Medical Errors

The FHV Legal findings are supported by official state data. The Maryland Department of Health’s fiscal year 2023 report documented a continued rise in adverse events. This marks the fourth year in a row that errors have increased.According to the department, several factors are contributing to this trend. Lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are a primary cause. Staffing shortages and high patient acuity are also significant challenges.The World Health Organization provides a global context for the issue. It estimates that 1 in 10 patients is harmed during healthcare. Unsafe care leads to over 3 million deaths globally each year.In the United States, surgical errors are a major problem. They are the primary issue in an estimated 75% of malpractice cases involving surgeons. This data underscores the national scale of patient safety efforts.

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The confluence of a high national ranking and confirmed state-level data places Maryland’s medical malpractice landscape under intense scrutiny. Patient advocacy groups are calling for increased transparency and systemic reforms to address the rising trend.

Info at your fingertips

What is the “Miscare Score” in the study?

The Miscare Score is a metric created by FHV Legal. It combines the number of Adverse Action Reports and Medical Malpractice Payment Amounts per 1,000 practitioners. A higher score indicates a greater risk of medical malpractice in that state.

Which medical profession in Maryland has the highest malpractice payouts?

Osteopathic Physicians (DOs) in Maryland recorded the highest malpractice payouts. The amount was $203.58 million per 1,000 practitioners. This was despite Registered Nurses having a slightly higher overall Miscare Score.

Why is Maryland seeing an increase in medical errors?

The Maryland Department of Health points to several factors. The lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are a key reason. Staffing shortages and supply chain issues have also contributed to the rise in adverse events.

What are the top five riskiest states for medical malpractice?

According to the study, the top five riskiest states are Delaware, South Carolina, Maryland, Utah, and Louisiana. The ranking is based on the composite Miscare Score from the analysis of federal data.

What is an Adverse Action Report (AAR)?

An Adverse Action Report is a formal record submitted to the National Practitioner Data Bank. It documents disciplinary actions taken against a healthcare professional’s license or clinical privileges. These reports are a key indicator of professional conduct.