Skip to main content Skip to left navigation Skip to search

Home > Our Work > Open Disclosure

What is open disclosure?

Open Disclosure is the open discussion of incidents that result in harm to a patient while receiving health care.

The essential elements of open disclosure are outlined in the National Open Disclosure Standard.

About the open disclosure program

In April 2008, Australian Health Ministers agreed to work towards the implementation of the National Open Disclosure Standard (the Standard) in all health care facilities. The disclosure should include:

• An expression of regret,


• A factual explanation of what happened,


• The potential consequences, and the


• Steps being taken to manage the event and prevent recurrence.

The Commission's open disclosure program aims to develop knowledge and tools to support jurisdictions and facilities implement the standard. It also aims to explore the legal barriers to performing open disclosure and recommend ways to address these. A number of projects have been initiated to help achieve these aims.

Open disclosure program projects

• Overcoming legal variation surrounding Open Disclosure


• Review of the Open Disclosure Standard


• Open Disclosure literature reviews


• The views and experience of patients, families, carers and support person(s) on open disclosure

Learn more about open disclosure

Resources Presentations Open disclosure pilot project Supporting health care professionals

Open disclosure in your organisation

Qld NSW ACT Vic Tas SA NT WA Private Hospitals

Program Contacts

Graham Bedford
(02) 9126 3522

Updated: 02 December, 2010

top of page