Full Breakdown
Top States for Patient Safety Excellence in Hospitals
3/22/2026, 3:06:06 AM
Overview of Patient Safety Excellence Awards
Healthgrades has released its 2026 Patient Safety Excellence Award, recognizing 438 hospitals across 40 states that rank among the top 10% nationwide for patient safety. This award highlights hospitals that excel in preventing serious, avoidable complications during hospital stays, based on 13 patient safety indicators. The analysis indicates significant disparities in hospital safety performance across the United States.
States with the Most Award-Winning Hospitals
The states with the highest number of hospitals earning the Patient Safety Excellence Award are Texas, Florida, California, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. These states collectively account for a substantial portion of the award recipients, with counts ranging from 21 to 62 hospitals. The concentration of high-performing hospitals in these regions may be influenced by the sheer number of hospitals present, as noted by a Healthgrades spokesperson. Major metropolitan areas, including Los Angeles, Dallas-Fort Worth, and New York City, are particularly highlighted for their strong safety performance.
Impact of Award-Winning Hospitals
Patients treated at hospitals recognized for their safety excellence experienced significantly lower risks of common and serious safety events. For instance, patients at these facilities were 52.4% less likely to experience in-hospital falls resulting in fractures, 57.5% less likely to suffer from collapsed lungs related to procedures, 67.8% less likely to develop catheter-related bloodstream infections, and 71.9% less likely to develop pressure sores. Collectively, these four indicators account for approximately 78% of all patient safety events. If all hospitals performed at the same level as this year’s award recipients, over 100,000 patient safety events could have been avoided between 2022 and 2024.
Official Statements on Patient Safety
Dr. Alana Biggers, a medical advisor at Healthgrades, emphasized the importance of evidence-based safety practices, stating, "Hospitals that prioritize evidence-based safety practices not only achieve better clinical outcomes, but also cultivate a culture where patients come first." This sentiment underscores the critical role of hospital safety in improving patient care and outcomes.
Criticism and Gaps in Hospital Safety
Despite the recognition of numerous hospitals, 10 states—Alabama, Alaska, Delaware, Iowa, Maine, North Dakota, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia—had no hospitals on the list. Experts suggest that factors such as rural hospital shortages and "care deserts" contribute to these gaps, as patients in underserved areas often face longer travel times and arrive with more advanced medical conditions.
Conclusion
The 2026 Patient Safety Excellence Award highlights the ongoing efforts to improve hospital safety across the United States. With nearly one-third of this year’s recognized hospitals being new to the list, the data reflects a dynamic landscape in hospital performance and safety practices. The full list of award recipients is available through Healthgrades, providing valuable information for patients and families making healthcare decisions.
