Healthcare Risk Management
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Nurse Practitioner Liability Increasing, Risk Managers Should Advise
The average total incurred amount of a nurse practitioner malpractice claim has risen sharply over five years. Risk managers can use recent data to help educate nurse practitioners and reduce their risk.
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Court Issues Ruling on False Claims Act
Healthcare providers received some news from the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, with a ruling that makes proving fraud or falsity under Anti-Kickback Statute more difficult.
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Congressional Report Details the Role Healthcare Systems Play in the Climate Change Battle
Various industry players weigh in on progress so far and what is yet to come.
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Appellate Court Affirms $806k Verdict for Failure to Treat Psychotic Symptoms, Suicide Attempt
Important substantive and procedural lessons can be learned from this case. First and foremost, the jury’s significant award was based on the defendant’s failure to provide treatment.
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Active Shooter Risks Require Prevention, Response Plans
Active shooters can threaten people in virtually any place or situation, but healthcare facilities may be uniquely at risk because they are open to the public and frequently experience violence from patients and others. Hospitals and other facilities should create an active shooter program that reduces the risk as much as possible and includes a response plan.
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No Liability for Telemedicine Company or Hospital Over Stroke Treatment
This case confirms the importance of timely treatment and how providers can defend against claims of failure to provide such treatment. Frequently, a patient’s condition requires time-sensitive treatment, and the failure to do so may constitute medical malpractice if a similar physician under such circumstances would provide that timely care.
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OIG Issues Alert on Telemedicine Fraud
The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General recently issued a Special Fraud Alert on arrangements with telemedicine companies, describing seven characteristics that could suggest a risk of fraud and abuse.
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Better Recruitment Can Improve Safety During Staff Shortages
As staff shortages threaten patient safety, hospitals and health systems are eager to bring more clinicians on board. But this is becoming harder, especially for the most desired candidates. Improving the application and hiring process can improve patient safety.
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Wrong-Site Surgery Still a Problem, Requires Vigilance
Despite many years of intense education and attention to prevention efforts, wrong-site surgery is on the rise. Hospitals and health systems must make sure their wrong-site prevention efforts have not weakened.
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Say What You Mean: Imprecise Language Can Lead to Medical Errors
Imprecise language during surgery can threaten patient safety. Research indicates comments and instructions during surgery often are subject to misunderstanding.