Ryan to Appoint Task Force on Medical Errors

CHICAGO -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today he will appoint a task force to examine licensing and disciplinary procedures for the medical profession.

"The people of Illinois must have confidence that they will receive the highest quality care when they seek medical assistance," Ryan said. "While everyone in the health care field shares this goal, questions have been raised about the current system.

"In order for people to have peace of mind, we must ensure that everyone providing health care has been properly licensed, accredited and educated and that proper disciplinary procedures are in place if errors occur."

The full roster for the task force has not been developed yet, but it will include members from the medical profession, the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Illinois Department of Professional Regulations, the Illinois Department of Insurance and members of the General Assembly.

The goal of the task force will be to examine the need for systemic change or reform in the way medical professionals are licensed and to review the regulatory methods used by state agencies to monitor these professionals.

"The health and safety of our citizens is of the highest priority," Ryan said. "We must do everything we can to protect them from preventable medical errors."