Communication and Resolution

Programs and

CRP Certification in Washington State

Karen Brigham, project manager of the CRP certification program at the Foundation for Health Care Quality

Lisa Qiu, third year student of osteopathic medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest

In February 2019, the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery voted to endorse a certification process for cases in which communication and resolution programs (CRPs) have been used to address adverse events resulting in patient harm. The Board is developing a statement of understanding (SOU) with the Foundation for Health Care Quality, which administers the CRP certification program.

What are CRPs?

CRPs constitute a principled, comprehensive, and systematic approach to responding to patients who have been harmed by their health care. CRPs require an immediate response, ongoing transparent communication, and proactive measures to address the needs of patients and their families. This includes offering financial and non-financial restitution to patients harmed by unreasonable care. In addition, CRPs seek to prevent recurrence of adverse events caused by system failures or human error through event analyses and dissemination of lessons learned throughout the organization, and externally through professional associations and other stakeholder groups. While the primary goal of CRPs is to improve patient safety, these programs can also enhance the patient experience and reduce litigation exposure.

What is CRP certification?

CRP certification is a forum for institutions and individual providers to submit cases in which a CRP was used so that it can be evaluated by a neutral panel of experts. Applicants demonstrating that the key elements of CRP were fulfilled in the handling of the case receive a CRP certification report attesting to that finding. At the provider’s discretion, the report may be sent to the licensing board for consideration in any investigation or disciplinary proceeding. It is important to note that CRP certification is only for cases of medical error involving competent providers; those involving gross incompetence, impairment or lapses in professionalism are not eligible.

We are excited to have the Washington Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery engaged in the mission to improve quality and patient safety through CRP certification. If you have any questions about the program, please contact Karen Brigham kbrigham@qualityhealth.org, or Steve Levy slevy@qualityhealth.org.