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Will Omicron Variant Overtake Delta? Probably

Although early findings suggest that the omicron variant is a milder form of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the severity of illness — particularly in different populations by age and underlying conditions — is still an unknown.

Omicron Variant: A Superspreader with Low Severity?

While the emerging omicron variant of COVID-19 is “blowing through” previously infected and vaccinated people in South Africa, preliminary evidence indicates the highly mutated virus will cause less severe disease.

Leapfrog Patient Safety Group Pushing for Lower HAI Rates

The Leapfrog Group, a patient safety watchdog organization, is redoubling efforts to prevent healthcare-associated infections and other adverse events that have increased during the pandemic as it examines data and results from its policy suggestions.

CMS, HHS Offer Multipronged Approach to Improving Maternal Health

Biden administration asks hospitals to review policies and procedures, calls on states to expand postpartum coverage under Medicaid and CHIP.

Feds Issue Warning on Cybersecurity Vulnerability

Insiders urge healthcare organizations to take immediate action to correct flaw.

Injury from Botched Hip Surgery ‘Speaks for Itself’ in Negligence Case

This case presents an interesting intersection between the facts and the law. Does the legal system compensate a patient who indisputably suffered a significant, permanent injury when an investigation cannot reveal how the injury occurred? This is where the legal doctrine of res ipsa loquitor becomes involved.

Failure to Screen for Cancer, Hepatitis C Leads to $2.7 Million Verdict

This case illustrates the importance of risk factors in setting the standard of care for medical screenings and testing. Discussing a patient’s history and background, including the patient’s family medical history, is important for a physician to determine the applicable standard of care.

Latest Leapfrog Safety Grades Include Post-Op Sepsis

The most recent grades from The Leapfrog Group represent the largest set of hospitals ever evaluated, with grades assigned to 2,901 facilities. More than 30 evidence-based measures of patient safety were assessed, including postoperative sepsis, blood leakage, and kidney injury for the first time.

Recruitment Agreements Run Risk of Stark Law Violations

Hospitals may enter into recruitment agreements to bring needed physicians into the community. However, serious legal issues can arise related to the Stark Law, which prohibits making referrals involving a compensation arrangement or investment interests.

Tearing Down Barriers to Medical Error Reporting

Lack of time, complex systems prevent staff from reporting medical errors, near-misses more often.