Healthcare Risk Management – May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
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Subpoenas Require Response Plan, Staff Education on Proper Steps
Hospitals and health systems receive many subpoenas demanding information or the appearance of individuals in a legal matter, and it is easy to lose sight of how important it is to respond appropriately. Improperly responding to a subpoena can result in legal difficulties and damage the outcome of the related litigation.
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Notorious Nurse Arrest Still Causes Subpoena Worries
The case drew attention to hospital policies and procedures regarding subpoenas and other demands from law enforcement, particularly how frontline clinicians can be left on their own to refuse police officers.
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Use Claims Analysis to Find Actionable Data, Not Just Global Data
Closed claims analyses can have limitations when recommending improved practices for clinicians. Strive for actionable information rather than global data.
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CRNAs Manage Risk Through Improved Consent, Documentation
Certified registered nurse anesthetists face liability risks unique to their profession, and risk managers can assist them by reminding them of the potential pitfalls in their work and the best ways to minimize their exposure.
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Cryptojacking Among Latest Cyberthreats for Healthcare
New threats are emerging in cybersecurity. One risk for healthcare organizations involves using the victim’s computing power.
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Hospital Apologizes to Patients Videotaped in Gynecological Procedures
The hospital had been trying to catch someone who was stealing drugs from anesthesia carts on the surgical unit, and the motion-activated cameras inadvertently recorded women during clinical care in three operating rooms.
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HHS Warns of Advanced Persistent Threats, Zero-Day Exploits
The Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights is warning about the threat to healthcare organizations from advanced persistent threats and zero-day exploits.
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800 Hospitals Dinged by Medicare for Hospital-Acquired Conditions; Payments Held
Since the program began, Medicare has penalized 1,756 hospitals at least once. In 2019, 110 hospitals are being denied payments for the fifth straight year.
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Patient Settles With Hospital and Physicians for Alleged Malpractice Leading to Paralysis
This case serves as an example of both the importance of ensuring that information on a patient is clearly communicated among physicians and staff when multiple physicians are involved in the care of the patient, as well as the importance of timely diagnosis and prompt treatment.
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Appellate Court Confirms Surgeon Not Negligent in Performing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
An important lesson from this case is that although a patient may have suffered an unexpected injury, it does not necessarily mean that a physician or care provider was negligent.