Healthcare Risk Management – April 1, 2023

Killnet Group Targets U.S. Hospitals with Cyberattacks

Hospitals and health systems should review their defenses against the cyber breach known as Distributed Denial of Service in response to threats from the pro-Russia hacktivist group known as Killnet. More than a dozen hospitals have been hit by Killnet attacks, taking down forward-facing webpages and breaching protected health information.

Response Plan Crucial for Cyberattack Recovery

A recent cyberattack against an Illinois hospital is a strong reminder a robust and well-tested incident response plan is a critical component of cybersecurity.

Sample Response Plan Outlines Steps

After a hospital was hit with a ransomware attack, the facility’s leadership asked an expert to investigate the incident and develop an incident response plan to use if an attack happened again.

Avoid Patient Abandonment Claims with Education, Follow-up

Patient abandonment claims can arise when a physician or hospital can no longer care for a patient or when there is insufficient follow-up. The risk can be ameliorated with proper procedures and communication.

Even One Paid Malpractice Claim Predicts More in the Future

Physicians with even one single paid malpractice claim are much more likely than those with no paid claims to experience more paid claims later, according to a recent study. Researchers examined all paid malpractice claims against U.S. physicians between 2004 and 2018. They found paid claims are not the result of bad luck or an inevitable part of practicing medicine, as many physicians think.

Adverse Event Rates Still High Among Hospitalized Patients

The results of a recent study indicated adverse events remain disturbingly common for hospitalized patients, with 24% of admissions resulting in at least one adverse event that caused harm. The research shows adverse events are too common despite decades of attention from the healthcare community.

Malpractice During Cardiac Catheterization Results in Death, $4.36 Million Verdict

This case highlights both the direct and indirect liability in a medical malpractice action, particularly where the negligent acts are performed by an employee. Here, the principal issue is whether the surgeon failed to exercise reasonable care and diligence in performing the cardiac catheterization procedures, and whether said failure caused the patient’s death.

Plaintiff Can Pursue Alternate Liability in Claim of Missed Cancer

This case is a lesson in the difference between joint and successive tortfeasors. A physician’s potential liability may be determined by this distinction.