Healthcare Risk Management
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Focus on Individual Risks to Reduce Patient Falls
Fall prevention is a constant concern for hospitals and health systems, with great costs involved. It is important not to get stuck in the same old way of thinking when it comes to protecting patients. Take the time to re-evaluate your fall prevention program and look for new opportunities to improve this key aspect of patient safety.
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Common Safeguards Identified in OIG Responses
The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) has evaluated several proposed arrangements related to COVID-19 and identified safeguards that pose a low risk of fraud and abuse. Through several responses to proposed arrangements, OIG identified safeguards applicable to most situations that will make remuneration safe from enforcement under anti-kickback and civil monetary penalty rules.
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DOJ, OIG Changing Enforcement Policies for COVID-19 Era
The federal government’s fraud and abuse enforcement priorities are shifting in response to COVID-19. Risk managers should be ready to adapt their compliance programs in response to the changing risks.
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Needlestick Injuries Increasing, but Not Always Taken Seriously
Needlestick injuries are on the rise after a long period of decline. Healthcare organizations may not be taking the risk of infection as seriously as they once did. A national expert on needlestick injuries is urging risk managers to reassess prevention programs and respond more aggressively when staff and physicians are injured.
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CUSP Provides Tools and Support for Improving Safety
The Comprehensive Unit-based Safety Program (CUSP) was developed by safety and quality researchers at the Johns Hopkins Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. CUSP was developed to improve patient safety by providing tools and support for caregivers that can help them identify and address hazards.
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Patient Safety Improves with CUSP Approach
A health system in Maine is improving patient safety with the Comprehensive Unit-based Safety Program. This approach emphasizes empowering frontline staff.
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7 Steps to Better HIPAA Compliance at Home
Ensuring HIPAA compliance with employees working from home will require a systematic approach. A compliance expert offers seven steps for better compliance.
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HIPAA Compliance a Concern as Working from Home Becomes Norm
Working from home is the new normal and will be for many healthcare employees for a while, so adjustments are necessary to maintain compliance with HIPAA. Protected health information must be managed properly whether the employee is in the healthcare facility or at home.
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Appellate Court Vacates $1.1 Million Sinus Surgery Verdict for Lack of Evidence
This case demonstrates the importance of carefully preparing one’s argument and presenting the evidence to support necessary findings. Another interesting lesson from this case is on the basic elements of medical malpractice: Even in the face of an undisputed breach of the standard of care, medical malpractice liability is not guaranteed.
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Appellate Court Denies Attempt to Vacate $8.3 Million Birth Injury Award
This case reveals lessons about both liability and damages, including the inherently speculative nature of damages for injuries caused to young individuals.