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Maternal Health and Safety Improving, but More Work Is Needed

The latest report on maternal health from The Leapfrog Group shows progress on all three health measures, but there is room for improvement. A record percentage of hospitals achieved Leapfrog’s target for nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex cesarean delivery rates.

Hospital Security Must Work Closely with Risk Management

Risk managers should work closely with hospital security directors to coordinate efforts to address workplace violence and other threats. Hospitals must balance security with welcoming the public and providing a pleasant atmosphere.

Healthcare Entities Protected from Vaccine Liability, but Risks Remain

Healthcare organizations are afforded substantial protection from liability related to administering the COVID-19 vaccines, but there are ways to void that protection and create vulnerability for plaintiffs’ attorneys. With more than 100 million people fully vaccinated in the United States, it is inevitable some will try to claim damages and sue the organization that administered the vaccine.

‘Dr. Death’ Case Holds Lessons for Risk Managers, Hospitals

The extraordinary case of a neurosurgeon who was so poorly vetted by hospitals that he critically injured dozens of patients and was blamed for two deaths in a short time is receiving renewed attention in true crime podcasts and an upcoming TV series. Risk managers should take the opportunity to learn how to avoid a repeat of the tragic series of events.

Report: U.S. Nurse Workforce to Play Pivotal Role Over Next Decade

National Academy of Medicine calls on extra funding, more comprehensive education, and expanded practice authority.

Controversy Developing Over Vaccine Passports

Concerns are emerging about individual rights, equal access, and how anyone would enforce mandates.

Change in Telemedicine Law Sparks Some Concern, But Most Users OK

A change in law related to the use of telemedicine has prompted some concern over when the technology can be used. However, hospitals and physicians are safe to continue with telehealth services under the COVID-19 public health emergency.

New Telehealth Board Supports Credentialing by Proxy

Credentialing by proxy holds promise in streamlining the credentialing process by reducing the hours spent on paperwork and the length of time it takes to privilege telemedicine providers.

Whistleblower Exception Allows Reporting HIPAA Violations with PHI

Healthcare professionals can find themselves in a quandary when they want to report fraud or other concerns within their organizations because doing so could require disclosure of protected health information. That could seem like a HIPAA violation; fortunately, there is a whistleblower exception that covers this scenario.

Busy Year for Right of Access Settlements in 2021

At press time, OCR had settled five Right of Access investigations so far in 2021, four of those since President Biden was sworn in to office on Jan. 20.