Risk managers often work closely with either in-house counsel or outside attorneys representing the hospital or health system in a range of legal matters, but those interactions can go awry without a good working relationship. Establishing boundaries and proper expectations can go a long way toward achieving the best results.
Anursing team at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio developed a new process for handing off patients from the ED to a telemetry unit that improved patient care and decreased the number of rapid responses for recent transfers.
CMS is planning to suppress data on many dangerous medical and surgical complications in hospitals because data from the COVID-19 era may be unreliable. The plan would suppress data on sepsis, kidney harm, deep bedsores, lung collapse, and many other measures.
The value-based arrangement Anti-Kickback Statute safe harbor and Stark Law exception introduced last year are likely to become important components of healthcare provider methods. CMS and other third-party payors will continue to focus on promoting care coordination and patient outcomes, making the safe harbor and Stark exception critical tools to avoid legal complications.
Consumers are suing companies more often for data breaches that expose their private information, according to one law firm’s experience. Healthcare organizations are seeing the biggest increases in this type of litigation.
This case holds both substantive and procedural lessons for care providers. Procedure can be equally as important as substance in defending against litigation. It is important to consult with counsel while reviewing the applicable facts and specific laws to understand potentially successful procedural challenges.
