Maryland Reports Fourth Consecutive Year of Rising Medical Errors Amid Pandemic Aftermath

Maryland's Department of Health has documented the state's fourth annual increase in reported medical errors, according to the Maryland Hospital Patient Safety Program's annual report for the 2023 fiscal year. The continued rise in adverse events—medical mistakes leading to treatment complications—is identified as an "after effect of the Covid-19 pandemic" that exposed systemic vulnerabilities including staffing shortages, high patient acuity, and supply chain disruptions.

The Department of Health partially attributes the overall increase to "a positive shift in hospital safety culture," making hospitals more likely to voluntarily share poor outcomes and safety mishaps. However, the agency acknowledges that the sustained increase over four years may reflect a real increase in preventable mistakes harming patients. This trend highlights ongoing challenges in healthcare delivery and patient safety protocols across Maryland institutions.

Meanwhile, Governor Wes Moore's executive order to "supercharge" housing development prioritizes speed in response to Maryland lagging behind neighbors in home construction. The order aims to accelerate construction processes statewide, addressing housing shortages that affect affordability and economic growth.

In environmental news, public criticism mounted against the newly revised Chesapeake Bay agreement during its comment period. Over 1,000 comments from scientists, advocates, residents, and officials described the voluntary clean-up pact as too weak, particularly given previous failures to meet bay restoration goals. The Chesapeake Bay Program faces pressure to strengthen commitments to protecting the nation's largest estuary.

Political developments include Governor Moore appealing FEMA's denial of nearly $34 million in disaster relief for Western Maryland flood recovery, while Representative Andy Harris argued federal aid was unwarranted. Additionally, retired Maj. Gen. Linda Singh expressed concern about presidential use of National Guard troops in American cities, referencing previous deployments during Baltimore protests.

The article originally appeared as part of a broader state roundup covering these critical issues affecting Maryland's healthcare, housing, environment, and governance.