Under the Leapfrog Group's never events policy, what action should the hospital take when wrong-site surgery occurs?

• A. Apologize to the family and caregivers of the patient
• B. Report the event to The Joint Commission
• C. Agree to pay all costs related to the condition of the patient
• D. Refuse to discuss the event with any party

Answer: (B)

When a wrong-site surgery occurs, the emphasis is on transparent accountability and formal investigation to prevent recurrence. The Leapfrog Group’s never events policy expects hospitals to report such events to the appropriate national safety and accreditation bodies. Reporting to The Joint Commission ensures the incident is documented within the formal sentinel-event framework, triggering a root-cause analysis and targeted improvements to system processes. This external reporting supports accountability, learning, and public safety, rather than leaving the event to be discussed privately or handled only within the family.

While offering an apology and communicating with the patient and family is important for trust and disclosure, it does not by itself satisfy the policy's requirement for formal external reporting. Deciding to pay all costs or to refuse discussion would not align with the mandated safety and transparency procedures designed to prevent future occurrences.