HSE National Policy
HSE Open Disclosure Policy
Topic:
Delivering open disclosure for patients and relevant persons following patient safety or notifiable incidents
Document Owner:
Chief Clinical Officer (CCO)
National Group:
HSE National Open Disclosure Steering Committee
Effective From: 17 June 2025
This policy supports those involved in incident management and the open disclosure process, in particular patients/relevant persons and staff, by providing clear information about the important elements of the process and what supports are available to them.
The purpose of this policy, which applies across HSE and HSE-funded services, is to:
- Clearly state and inform staff and the public of the open disclosure requirements.
- Recognise the importance of governance and leadership in open disclosure at all levels.
- Help drive and embed a culture of openness, transparency and learning.
- Describe the underlying principles, process steps, roles and responsibilities, governance requirements and supports available in relation to open disclosure.
- Outline the importance of open, honest, timely and compassionate communication following a patient safety or notifiable incident to prevent compounded harm to those affected by it.
- Enable implementation of (i) The Patient Safety (Notifiable Incidents and Open Disclosure) Act 2023 (ii) the Department of Health National Open Disclosure Framework (2023) across the HSE and HSE-funded services whilst maintaining an emphasis on empathy and compassion throughout the open disclosure process.
- Describe the legal protections available to staff in relation to the Civil Liability (Amendment) Act 2017 and the Patient Safety (Notifiable Incidents and Open Disclosure) Act 2023 to encourage open disclosure.