Compliance
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CARES Act Funds Come with Many Obligations
The Department of Health and Human Services has been distributing $175 billion to “eligible healthcare providers” on the front lines of the coronavirus response in various phases, but that money comes with many obligations. Failure to comply with all the requirements can result in substantial liability.
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Patient Photos in Electronic Health Record Cut Wrong Order Entries by 35%
Wrong-patient order entry is a constant threat to patient safety. A team at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston launched a project to add patient photos to the electronic health record. Two years later, the error rate had decreased by 35%.
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In 2021, Assisted Living Litigation Might Hinge on Immunity
Assisted living facilities and their affiliated hospitals and health systems are bracing for a wave of lawsuits associated with COVID-19. It remains to be seen how much immunity they can expect from laws implemented during the pandemic. Risk management for assisted living facilities should be more responsive, nimble, and organized than ever before.
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Do Not Promise Success, and Document Well
There are two things healthcare professionals can do to position themselves for a good defense in case of a malpractice lawsuit. First, do not promise patients success or even imply it. Also, be careful when creating policies and procedures.
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Avoid the Most Common Mistakes When Facing a Lawsuit
When a healthcare professional receives notice of a lawsuit, everything he or she does from that moment forward can affect the outcome, for better or worse. Knowing the most common mistakes to avoid can help lead to the best resolution.
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Telemedicine Law Changes Confusing, but Waivers Protect During Pandemic
Legislation passed in December 2020 changed some telehealth requirements for mental health services. The change has prompted concern over false claims.
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The Joint Commission Sets Specific Ethical Expectations
Leadership is expected to establish an ethical framework on which all operations, policies, procedures, and services are based, and in a manner that supports the delivery of safe, quality care, treatment, and services.
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Lack of Metrics, Specificity, and Regulations Concern Some Ethics Services
To some, there is a perception that regulatory agencies still consider ethics a small-volume service handled by a volunteer committee instead of a critical, high-volume service run by paid ethics staff. A few professionals in the trenches believe this critical subject is taken too lightly.
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TJC Offers Guidance on Accreditation and Effects from COVID-19
COVID-19 has affected hospitals and health systems in many ways, extending to the accreditation requirements and processes of The Joint Commission (TJC). Responding to many questions and concerns from accredited facilities, TJC recently offered answers in a webinar. The topics were wide-ranging, from the waiver of certain requirements to telehealth and documentation.
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CMS Extends Hospital Survey Limitations
Agency restricts hospital complaint surveys to immediate jeopardy allegations.