PSQIA: What Healthcare Counsel Should Know
| Monday, October 5, 2026 |
| 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM |
| Zlotnik Ballroom |
Overview
Patient Safety Work Product remains one of the most misunderstood concepts in healthcare law. Many healthcare attorneys are familiar with state peer review protections but have limited experience advising clients on the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act (PSQIA), Patient Safety Organizations (PSOs), and Patient Safety Evaluation Systems (PSESs). As healthcare organizations face increasing pressure to improve quality outcomes, comply with CMS patient safety initiatives, and foster a culture of safety, understanding the strategic role of PSQIA has become increasingly important.
This session will provide healthcare attorneys with a practical framework for advising hospitals, health systems, physician groups, and other providers regarding the creation and management of Patient Safety Work Product. Through case studies and real-world examples, participants will learn how PSQIA protections interact with state peer review laws, accreditation requirements, regulatory reporting obligations, and medical staff processes. The session will also address common misconceptions that lead organizations to underutilize PSOs and will explore how a properly structured Patient Safety Evaluation System can support both organizational learning and legal risk management.
Attendees will leave with practical tools for helping clients distinguish protected and non-protected information, evaluate disclosure obligations, and integrate patient safety activities into broader quality and compliance initiatives.
Terri DeSio
Patient Safety Legal Specialist
Center For Patient Safety
Speaker
Terri DeSio is a registered nurse and attorney with more than 40 years of experience in healthcare. Her career has spanned clinical practice, healthcare operations, risk management, and legal counsel to hospitals and health systems. She currently serves as Legal Specialist for the Center for Patient Safety, where she advises healthcare organizations on Patient Safety Organization participation, Patient Safety Evaluation Systems, Patient Safety Work Product, and related regulatory and contractual issues. Her unique perspective as both a clinician and attorney allows her to translate complex patient safety and legal concepts into practical guidance for healthcare leaders and counsel.
Kathryn Wire
Executive Director
Center for Patient Safety
Speaker
Kathryn Wire is an attorney and began working with the PSQIA upon its passage in 2005. She is the Executive Director of the Center for Patient Safety, which AHRQ listed as one of the first 10 PSOs in 2008, and has served the Center in various capacities since its founding. Before that, she led Risk and Claims for two large regional healthcare systems. She is a frequent speaker for local, state, and national groups such as ASHRM and the American Health Law Association, as well as healthcare provider groups.
