Healthcare Risk Management – February 1, 2024

Knowing When to Call a Lawyer Can Help Avoid Bigger Problems

If in doubt, err on the side of calling for help from legal counsel. A timely consultation can help minimize any potential liability from a situation that may have legal implications.

Volunteers Need Screening and Training to Avoid Liability Risks

Volunteers serve many important roles in a hospital, but they can bring potential liability. A risk mitigation plan can help healthcare organizations make the most of volunteers without exposing themselves to undue risks.

Apologizing Still Works, But Ensure It Is Done Correctly

Saying “I’m sorry” after an adverse event has become more accepted in recent years to express the clinician or administrator’s sincere regret at the unfortunate outcome, which was discouraged for many years for fear it would be seen as a legal admission of guilt. On the contrary, it has been shown to diffuse the emotions of a patient or family member and diminish the likelihood of litigation. But exactly how those words of regret are spoken can be important.

AHA Launches Patient Safety Initiative to Share Data, Success

The American Hospital Association is launching a national initiative intended to provide a platform and resources for hospitals to track their patient safety efforts and scale them nationally.

Untreated Heart Condition Leads to Death, $14 Million Verdict

This case highlights a common type of medical malpractice: diagnostic errors, including failed or delayed diagnosis.

Jury’s Defense Verdict Upheld for Physician Accused of Improper Treatment of Bone Infection

There are multiple avenues for defendants to prevail and secure a defense verdict. In this case, the defense experts showed that the treatment provided for osteomyelitis met care standards and that the progression of osteomyelitis in the lower extremities of certain patients, especially with certain comorbidities, is not always preventable despite the efforts of providers.