Risk & Quality Management
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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.
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Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Dismissed for Failing to Provide Expert
Medical malpractice litigation often revolves around the reports and/or testimony from experts, and this case is no different. In fact, this case highlights just how important expert reports and testimony are: The case was dismissed based on the plaintiffs’ failure to provide any such expert support.
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Defense Verdict Upheld Against Claims of Failure to Diagnose
This case can provide clinicians with an example and peace of mind knowing that appropriately abiding by the duties within their designated scope of practice is a method for defending against claims of malpractice.
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Time to Re-Educate Clinicians on Needlesticks and Sharps Injuries
Needlesticks and sharps injuries once were a hot topic in risk management, but in recent years they may have fallen off the priority list at some healthcare facilities. The risk remains and should be addressed with a comprehensive strategy.
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TJC: Surgical Fires Remain a Serious Threat to Safety
Despite attention in recent years, surgical fires continue to pose a serious threat to patients and staff, according to a recent Sentinel Event Alert from The Joint Commission.
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How to Educate the Board on Quality and Safety as QAPI Expects
The Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services specifies that hospital boards are responsible for oversight of the QAPI program and that hospital administrators are responsible for educating the board on quality and safety issues. But how does a risk manager educate and update the board on these issues?
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Risk Managers Valued in Compliance Program Guidance from OIG
The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General recently issued its new General Compliance Program Guidance, the first of a series of compliance guidelines expected from the OIG, providing guidance, tools, and references addressed to federal healthcare program providers and suppliers. OIG makes clear that risk managers are an integral part of the effort.
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‘Take Care of Maya’ Verdict Could Have Chilling Effect
A recent $261 million judgment against a hospital could have a chilling effect on hospitals trying to weigh the obligation to protect minor patients against the parents’ rights to see the child. The case received substantial media attention, which could influence the way clinicians and administrators handle such cases.
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OCR Updates HIPAA Assessment Tool
The Office for Civil Rights has updated a self-assessment tool that covered entities can use to determine how well they are complying with HIPAA, and the new version presents an opportunity to see how useful the resource can be.
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What to Expect After a HIPAA Violation
Discovering a HIPAA violation in your organization inevitably causes anxiety about what will follow and how bad the consequences can be. Understanding the process and what to expect can ease some of the worry and help you manage the process to the best possible resolution.