Healthcare Risk Management – April 1, 2014
April 1, 2014
View Issues
-
Changing state marijuana laws shake up drug policies at hospitals
Changing marijuana laws are raising questions about hospital policies on drug use. -
Assess current drug policies in light of pot legalization
-
Case law provides some employer support
-
Hospital has 'absolute right' to prevent drug use
-
System ordered to divest physician group or risk antitrust
A hospital has been ordered to divest itself of a physician group practice it acquired. The federal district court judge says the practice acquisition violated antitrust laws. -
Court says deal would increase costs
-
How to avoid antitrust when acquiring practices
-
Mental health parity act creates new, increased risks
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) will increase the volume of mental health patients, which could increase liability risks. Providers can be held accountable for acts of violence by a patient. -
Hospital's deep pockets will invite claims
-
Team approach can help, but only if adequate
-
Report finds hospital at fault in stairwell death
-
Imaging group to pay $15.5 million for false claims
-
Health and Human Services addresses health IT safety plan with SAFER guides
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is offering providers new tools to encourage safer use of electronic health records (EHRs). -
Risk managers meeting in Anaheim, CA, Oct. 26-29
-
LRC: Failure to recognize infection leads to sepsis and amputations, and $32 million settlement
After complaining of a fever and inability to put weight on her right leg, an 11-year-old female was taken to the emergency department of a local hospital. The child had an internal infection that was quickly spreading. -
LRC: Negligent removal of tracheostomy tube results in $15 million verdict against hospital and doctor
Due to injuries suffered from a car accident, hospital staff inserted a tracheostomy tube to aid the breathing of a 17-year-old male. While still in the hospital one month after the tracheostomy, hospital staff removed the tracheostomy (trach) tube in anticipation of the patient's transfer to a rehabilitation hospital.