Government report says health care not Y2K-ready
It’s too late to do much about it, but a report from the federal government says the health care industry is not adequately prepared for the Y2K computer problem. That could be a warning sign that liability exposure could be extensive.
The report was prepared recently by a special U.S. Senate panel. It concluded that the health care industry is among the least-prepared of many industries and economic sectors, leaving health care providers at risk for technological failures and significant business disruptions.
The report was released by Sens. Robert Bennett (R-UT) and Christopher Dodd (D-CT). In a letter accompanying the report, they describe the Y2K problem as "one of the most serious and potentially devastating events this nation has ever encountered." Though the health care industry is singled out as facing great risk, the report also cites major risks in the oil, education, farming, food processing, and construction industries.
According to the report, more than 90% of doctors’ offices and 50% of small- and medium-size companies have not addressed the Y2K problem in any significant way. The report says the health care industry is "one of the worst-prepared for Y2K and carries a significant potential for harm."
Hospitals are "playing a catch-up game," the report says, and too many are relying solely on medical device manufacturers to certify products as Y2K-compliant. Rural and inner-city hospitals are at increased risk, according to the report, because they do not have the resources needed to address the problem adequately.
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