Articles Tagged With:
-
Court Orders New Trial After Finding Hospital’s Expert Lacked Necessary Qualifications
This case shows how expert testimony plays a crucial role in establishing the cause of injuries and determining liability in medical malpractice litigation. It also highlights the importance of selecting an expert who is not only qualified to offer an opinion on general causation, but one who is qualified to offer an opinion on specific causation. The difference between the two is the difference between a favorable verdict and a retrial.
-
Court Dismisses Patient’s Complaint After Time Runs Out on State’s Statute of Repose
This ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of state-specific statutes of repose and their implications on medical practice and potential litigation, especially in circumstances interacting with federal law, where applicable.
-
Check Insurance Coverage for Natural Disasters
Healthcare organizations should know if they are adequately insured for natural disasters. Organizations should review their policies with their insurance agents to understand what coverage they have for natural disasters and what additional coverage they might need.
-
State Laws on PHI Require Careful Consideration
Complying with HIPAA requirements on patient privacy may be difficult sometimes, but it is not enough. State laws also apply — and they may come with different requirements.
-
Information Blocking Still Happening After Cures Act
Information blocking is a threat to patient safety, but it still occurs regularly, despite the penalties for noncompliance laid out by the 21st Century Cures Act. Recently, the HHS Office of Inspector General announced its final rule establishing penalties of up to $1 million for any entities that block the flow of necessary health data.
-
Ransomware Attack Can Affect Hospitals Nearby, Create Havoc
If one’s response to a hospital in the community fighting a ransomware attack is only relief that it was not their facility, they could be in for a surprise. Even hospitals not hit by hackers can feel the ripple effect and suffer consequences.
-
Peer Review Protection Varies by State — and Could Be in Jeopardy
Risk managers and clinicians depend on the ability to investigate adverse outcomes or errors without fear their words will be used against them in court, most notably in morbidity and mortality conferences and peer review sessions. The degree of protection varies from state to state — and there is some concern this privilege has been eroded.
-
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Trainees Want Ethics Expertise
Ethics education would not replace the option or need to obtain a formal ethics consultation. However, such education could lead to fewer cases during which specialists believe they need such assistance.
-
Ethics Involvement Is Needed with Medical Artificial Intelligence
Ethicists can help research, design, develop, and implement artificial intelligence programs at the administrative or practice levels.
-
Ethicists Are Addressing Social Determinants of Health
Hospitals and health systems should do more to address social determinants of health to meet an ethical obligation to improve community health. Ethicists can collaborate with clinicians and social workers to find solutions. Considering the complexity of such issues, it may be unrealistic to develop effective interventions immediately. But an ethics consult is a good starting point.