The government has a sweeping agenda for improving patient safety in medical facilities across the country, and it is backing a new initiative for doing so -- called Partnership for Patients ("PFP") -- with a $1 billion pledge as part of the health reform law.

The goal is straightforward yet ambitious: Reduce surgical errors, identify and remedy practices that contribute to in-facility infections, streamline and update medical record systems, prevent hospital readmissions and reduce patient deaths caused by medical harm.

The Department of Health and Human Services unrolled PFP in mid April, announcing a massive partnership with hospitals, clinics and consumer groups. In addition to the stated medical goals, an attendant aim of PFP is to save money -- a staggering amount of money. The target is $35 billion across the health care system generally over the next three years, as well as $50 billion in Medicare and Medicaid savings over a decade.

Participants are stepping up, with more than 1,600 hospitals having already signed a pledge to undertake activities that make medical practice and care safer. The American Medical Association is also a prominent signer.

PFP has designated nine specific focus areas for hospitals to focus upon initially, including adverse drug events, bloodstream infections and surgical site infections.

The program's effectiveness will be quickly gauged, with a looming 2013 target date established to measure milestones.

Related Resource: American Medical News, "Partnership for Patients an investment in safety" May 30, 2011