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‘Exceptional Every Day’ Program Improves Quality and Safety
White Plains (NY) Hospital Center has embraced its “Exceptional Every Day” motto to create a culture aimed at constantly improving the patient experience. Staff who sometimes are considered “behind the scenes” support are encouraged to feel more like part of the care team.
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Health System Reduces Opioids, Navigates Data Challenges
Intermountain Healthcare in Salt Lake City is focusing on ways to avoid prescribing the medications in the first place. -
HFAP Offers Tips on Top Survey Deficiencies
The Hospital Facilities Accreditation Program, based in Chicago, has released a report that says most 2017 deficiencies were traced to lack of consistency, proper documentation, and procedural review.
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Focus Daily on Accreditation Issues to Ease Surveys
Showing off your good work, with little attention to what you're trying to improve, could backfire with surveyors.
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Significant Legal Exposure for Hospital if Patient Assaulted in ED
Seldom does a person go from a state of calm to physical violence without warning. Are staffers trained to recognize when an aggressive patient’s behaviors are escalating?
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‘Divide and Conquer’ Is Plaintiff’s Strategy With ED Co-defendants
When both ED nurses and EPs are named in a malpractice suit, a unified defense is the goal.
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Does Reassessment Before Discharge Reveal Abnormal Vitals? Documentation Is Key
Dozens of times each shift, EPs determine the appropriate disposition for patients. A well-documented, appropriate reassessment can reduce legal risks and should include proof that the EP spoke to and examined the patient, as well as repetition of pertinent portions of the physical exam.
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Can Rarely Used ‘Empty Chair’ Strategy Help ED Defense?
The “empty chair” strategy comes into play when there is a potential unnamed defendant with possible exposure. Using the empty chair defense, a named defendant would argue the liability of the unnamed defendant.
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‘Patient Dumping’ Still Happens 30 Years After EMTALA; EDs Face Significant Exposure
Have you ever heard the question, “What would you do if an ED patient behaved in an unruly manner?” If an investigator from CMS asked one of your ED’s security guards this question, would the response reveal non-compliance with federal law?
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Researchers: Sharps Disposable Boxes Not Linked to C. Diff
A new study concludes that, if processed and used properly, reusable sharps containers pose no risk of C. difficile transmission.