Healthcare Risk Management – October 1, 2024

New DOJ Whistleblower Program Greatly Increases Risk

A new whistleblower program from the U.S. Department of Justice will create more risks for healthcare organizations in areas not previously susceptible to whistleblower reports. The best defense is a thorough system that allows concerned employees to report possible fraud and prompts a meaningful response.

CMS May Introduce New Patient Safety Measure

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is considering a new quality measure aimed at assessing hospitals’ success with implementing patient safety strategies.

Respond Carefully to Notice of Intent

Receiving a notice of intent to sue is a common occurrence for hospitals and health systems, so common that it may be unclear how to respond to each one. After all, many of the notices will amount to nothing in the end, so it can be tempting to delay or even avoid a response.

Avoid Common Errors in Documentation

Documentation is fundamental to both patient safety and risk management, but quality documentation relies on adhering to best practices and avoiding some of the most common mistakes.

Adverse Event Interviews Require Tact, Careful Process

Conducting an adverse event interview in healthcare is a process that requires careful planning and execution to ensure that all relevant information is gathered while maintaining a supportive environment for those involved.

Pennsylvania Jury Awards $45 Million Verdict to Patient Who Received Inadequate Discharge Instructions

In 2021, the plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the hospital for negligence. The allegations included the inadequate swallow test, premature discharge, and failure to provide proper post-discharge care instructions. A jury found the hospital liable, awarding nearly $45 million to the plaintiff, emphasizing the severe consequences of the hospital’s negligence.

North Carolina Federal Court Allows Doctor’s Claims to Proceed Against Hospital for Erroneous Report to the National Practitioner Data Bank

A gynecologic oncologist filed a lawsuit against his former employer, a hospital, after a report filed by the hospital with the National Practitioner Data Bank allegedly caused significant damage to his career.