Attorney Veronica Richards Appointed to Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority

Pittsburgh, Pa., July 10, 2017 (Newswire.com) - ​Richards & Richards, LLP is proud to announce that Attorney Veronica A. Richards has been appointed to the board of directors of the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority. The Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority, an independent state agency, was established under Pennsylvania Act 13 of 2002, the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error ("Mcare") Act. The mission of the Pennsylvania Patient Authority is to improve the quality of healthcare in Pennsylvania by collecting and analyzing patient safety information, developing solutions to patient safety issues, and sharing this information through education and collaboration. 

A nurse practitioner and medical malpractice lawyer, Richards stated that she is "honored to have an opportunity to contribute to such a worthwhile organization of dedicated patient safety experts." She is one of only two attorneys who comprise the 11 member board of directors that includes six physicians, a nurse, a pharmacist and a non-healthcare worker.

"The Board of Directors of the Authority are all highly respected professionals who have committed their lives to improving the quality of healthcare delivered in Pennsylvania. In addition to being one of the most respected medical malpractice attorneys in our state and beyond, Veronica has also worked as a nurse practitioner and a hospital administrator. Her diverse background and unparalleled dedication to improving healthcare make her the perfect choice by Senator Jay Costa to join this distinguished board and help advance its important work."

Lisa Benzie, President, Pennsylvania Association for Justice

Fellow Patient Safety Authority board member and Philadelphia medical malpractice attorney Eric Weitz stated that he is "excited Veronica is joining the Authority. Her lifelong commitment to patient safety as both a practitioner and advocate qualifies Veronica to help shepherd the Authority in its multifaceted efforts. I applaud the Legislature on their decision to appoint such an incredible patient safety advocate."

The Authority is charged with taking steps to reduce and eliminate medical errors by identifying problems and recommending solutions that promote patient safety in Pennsylvania's healthcare facilities. The Authority analyzes and evaluates all reports of incidents and makes recommendations for changes in health care practices and procedures which may be instituted to reduce the number and severity of Serious Events and Incidents in Pennsylvania's healthcare institutions. The Authority's role is non-regulatory and non-punitive and is distinguished from the role of other state agencies involved in regulating and/or licensing health care facilities or individual providers.

"The Patient Safety Authority is an invaluable resource for Pennsylvanians, designed to monitor healthcare trends and encourage improvements that undoubtedly result in increased patient safety," said Attorney Lisa Benzie, President of the Pennsylvania Association for Justice. "The Board of Directors of the Authority are all highly respected professionals who have committed their lives to improving the quality of healthcare delivered in Pennsylvania. In addition to being one of the most respected medical malpractice attorneys in our state and beyond, Veronica has also worked as a nurse practitioner and a hospital administrator. Her diverse background and unparalleled dedication to improving healthcare make her the perfect choice by Senator Jay Costa to join this distinguished board and help advance its important work."

Source: Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority