Healthcare Risk Management – October 1, 2023
October 1, 2023
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Hospitals Work Together to Prevent Patient Violence
A series of violent attacks on personnel has prompted hospitals in San Diego to create a task force to address this serious problem familiar to hospital leaders across the country. The task force works with local law enforcement to develop tactics to keep healthcare workers safe.
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IV Failures Becoming Major Malpractice Risk
Up to half of IVs fail. In many cases, those failures cause serious harm to the patient, ranging from medication dosing errors to amputation and death. Malpractice cases based on IV failures are a growing concern for hospitals and health systems.
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DEA Rule Changes for Reporting Lost or Stolen Drugs
The Drug Enforcement Administration recently released guidance that clears up some ambiguity regarding compliance with the Controlled Substances Act. The guidance regards the reporting requirements for controlled substances that are lost or stolen.
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Risk of Data Breach Doubles Just Before and After a Merger
Mergers and acquisitions are common in the healthcare industry and carry many challenges for risk managers and compliance officers. One risk is data security. Research indicates the risk of a data breach doubles before and after a merger.
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CMS Auditing Electronic Visit Verification Systems
The Office of Inspector General announced it will audit electronic visit verification systems for personal care services and home healthcare services, creating an obligation to ensure compliance.
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Burden of Harm from Diagnostic Error Still High
A new analysis of diagnostic error data revealed an estimated 795,000 Americans die or are permanently disabled by diagnostic error each year. Vascular events, infections, and cancers account for 75% of the serious harms.
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Jury Awards Woman $13 Million After Botched Cosmetic Surgery
A significant portion of the patient’s case centered not on the botched medical procedure, but on the lack of clear warnings given to the patient and lack of informed consent obtained by the physician and her team.
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Complaint Alleges OB/GYN Decapitated Baby During Botched Delivery and Covered It Up
The issue of gross medical negligence by the medical team will be at the forefront of the lawsuit. The lawsuit alleged the attending physician and the medical team were “grossly negligent” in their treatment of the patient and her baby.