The National Quality Forum (NQF) is seeking public comment as part of the consensus-based process to update the Serious Reportable Events (SRE) List. Specifically, NQF invites the public to review and comment on the proposed 2025 SRE List and event descriptions.
NQF first published the SRE List in 2002 and last updated it in 2011. For each iteration of the SRE list, NQF convened experts to identify a consensus-based subset of patient safety incidents that are not only largely preventable, but so serious that they should never occur in healthcare settings. Many states and healthcare organizations use the SRE List today for both mandatory and voluntary SRE reporting.
In 2024, NQF launched an initiative that focused on developing a unified, consensus-based, updated SRE List that reflects changes to how and where care is delivered in today’s environment. This update consists of three major components: (1) refinement of the inclusion criteria, (2) expansion of applicable healthcare settings, and (3) revision of the events and the accompanying application guidance. Throughout the initiative, NQF convened several technical expert panels or groups, engaging over 70 experts. In June 2024, NQF held a public comment period and conducted a call for candidate events as part of the consensus-based process for updating the SRE List. Specifically, NQF encouraged the submission of candidate patient safety events that align with the updated SRE Inclusion Criteria. NQF received a total of 50 event submissions which were reviewed and consolidated into 37 candidate events. In July 2024, NQF conducted a second public comment period to garner feedback on the 37 candidate events being considered for inclusion on the updated SRE List, and the 29 existing events from the Serious Reportable Events In Healthcare – 2011 Update: A Consensus Report which were also being reviewed.
NQF presents an updated list that consists of 27 SREs and invites patients, advocates, stakeholders, and the public at large to review and comment on the updated SREs and event descriptions. Specifically, NQF invites the public to provide additional information that will foster a clear understanding of each SRE and clarity regarding applicable healthcare settings or populations. The public commenting period will be open June 2 – July 1, 2025
For more information, please refer to the Request for Public Comment Document (automatic download) which provides the name and event description for each SRE. Comments can be submitted via this link.
Please contact the NQF Team at patientsafety@qualityforum.org if you have any questions.
