Healthcare Risk Management – February 1, 2023

Pandemic-Delayed Lawsuits Are Coming to Court

The COVID-19 pandemic paused the usual flow of medical malpractice lawsuits, but it appears that is ending. Hospitals and clinicians are seeing more filings, which could put unusual pressure on risk managers, defense counsel, and insurers.

Nurses Fired After Posting TikTok Video Disparaging Patients

A hospital in Georgia fired four labor and delivery nurses after they posted a TikTok video mocking patients they found annoying. They filmed the video while at work. The incident highlights the need to educate staff about posting inappropriate work-related comments or videos on social media.

CMS Threatens Citations for Workplace Safety Violations

CMS recently put hospitals on notice about potential penalties regarding workplace safety with a recent memorandum to state survey agency directors. The memorandum focuses on workplace violence.

CMS Urges Training Staff on Preventing Violence

CMS’ recent memorandum to state survey agency directors regarding workplace safety in hospitals includes statements on training and education staff on violence prevention and mitigation.

Patient Code of Conduct Aimed at Protecting Staff

Mass General Brigham hospital in Boston recently implemented a patient code of conduct designed to protect clinicians and other staff from verbal abuse or disrespect. Such policies are becoming more common in response to harassment in healthcare workplaces.

I-PASS Reduces Harm and Improves Communication

Research indicates the I-PASS handoff program reduces harm and improves communication among clinicians. The research builds on previous studies showing validity of the program.

Leapfrog Group Finds ‘Significant’ Safety Improvement Over 10 Years

Hospitals in the United States have improved patient safety measures significantly over the past decade, according to the latest report from the Leapfrog Group.

Appeals Court Upholds Decision Finding Chiropractor Not Liable for Patient’s Death

This case shows the importance of enlisting a properly qualified expert witness. When a plaintiff files a medical negligence claim, he or she must provide expert testimony to prove not only was the defendant negligent, but also the defendant’s negligence caused the plaintiff’s injury.

Ohio Court Revives Allergic Reaction Malpractice Suit

Before considering the statute of limitations aspects of this case, a healthcare professional should be cognizant of both the potential direct and indirect liability for failure to review and consider a patient’s medical history. Patient allergies are a crucial aspect of history-gathering since this may bring potentially life-threatening consequences.