Healthcare Risk Management – July 1, 2015
July 1, 2015
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Shootings, other violence on the rise and pose major liability risks
Shootings and other violence in healthcare facilities are increasing, which is prompting administrators to take another look at their security. Experts caution that priorities sometimes are misplaced and that failing to protect employees can lead to significant liability.
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Escaped prisoner tests hospital security plans
When a prisoner escaped from guards recently at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, VA, staff and others in the facility were in jeopardy. The hospital’s security plan was activated and proved the value of planning for such an incident.
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Bank robber lockdown holds lessons for healthcare risk managers
Healthcare risk managers can work with their security directors to study the recent lockdown at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, VA, for lessons that might improve their own emergency planning.
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Hospital softens security image, staff rebels
Despite a series of violent incidents that left the staff rattled, leaders at Erlanger Health System in Chattanooga, TN, recently decided to soften the image of its security guards to convey a more “family-friendly” environment, according to news reports and staff complaints.
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OSHA underscores threat of healthcare violence
Underscoring the threat in hospitals, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released updated Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence for Healthcare and Social Service Workers.
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Video monitoring reduces falls as well as cutting costs for hospitals
Hospitals that deploy remote video monitoring systems staffed with dedicated, trained observers can reduce patient falls significantly, with one reporting a reduction in patient falls and employee injuries, while also reducing associated costs.
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Fall-risk patients monitored continuously by video
When a fall-risk patient at TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston is monitored remotely by video, the person watching is trained and ready to intervene if the patient is in danger.
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Hospitals report success with video monitoring
Several hospitals have reported good experiences with video monitoring to reduce falls.
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Hospital joins plaintiff in suing scope maker
A hospital being sued for the death of patient related to a non-sterile duodenoscope is joining with the plaintiff to sue the scope manufacturer.
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Hospital pays $18.8 million and admits to misconduct
A hospital in New York state has admitted to violating the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Law and will pay $18.8 million to resolve liabilities.
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Pennsylvania sees dip in malpractice filings
The number of medical malpractice case filings in Pennsylvania dipped in 2014 to the lowest point since statewide tracking began in 2000.
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OIG wants $6.4 million for overpayments
Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago owes Medicare $6.4 million in alleged overpayments caused by billing errors, according to an audit by the Office of Inspector General in the Department of Health and Human Services.
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Quality reduces liability more than tort reform
Tort reform is often cited as the potential solution for the rising cost of medical malpractice claims, but a new study suggests that better results come from increasing quality of care.
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Allegedly botched and unnecessary surgery results in $4.25 million award for patient
The plaintiff, a female in her mid-30s, had been suffering a lengthy battle with being overweight. She sought out and was given the option of receiving gastric bypass surgery.
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Medication dosage error for infant patient leads to $17.8 million verdict for plaintiff
A 4-day-old infant had an aortic coarctation, a narrowing of the aorta, which is a relatively common and easily curable heart defect. While preparing for surgery to correct the condition, the doctor ordered the nurse to give the infant pre-surgery medication.