Healthcare Risk Management articles from February 2007

Healthcare Risk Management archives from February 2007

Covert video surveillance can be useful in abuse cases, but some reason for caution.
February 1, 2007... Covert video surveillance can be useful in abuse cases, but some reason for caution Policies and right equipment are keys to success Risk managers should consider using covert video surveillance (CVS) when patient abuse is suspected...

What you need to know about liability and video.
February 1, 2007... What you need to know about liability and video Risk managers are understandably cautious about utilizing covert video surveillance (CVS). Its use can expose your organization to several legal claims in the areas of state wiretap statutes,...

Case study shows how video helps avoid lawsuit.
February 1, 2007... Case study shows how video helps avoid lawsuit This case study involving covert video surveillance (CVS) is provided by Andrew R. Rogoff, JD, a partner in the Philadelphia office of the law firm Pepper Hamilton, and DaQuana L. Carter, JD,...

Critical lab result policy cuts hospital's med errors.
February 1, 2007... Critical lab result policy cuts hospital's med errors A system that requires calling physicians directly with critical lab test results can greatly improve patient safety, according to a hospital team that has had such a policy in place for...

How the critical result reporting system works.
February 1, 2007... How the critical result reporting system works At Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, MA, critical lab test results are defined as test results with abnormal or "critical" values, resulting in a potentially life threatening situation for...

With lab result success, other departments follow.
February 1, 2007... With lab result success, other departments follow Once the lab at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, MA, met its goal of communicating first-time critical results to the physician in less than 60 minutes, 100% of the time, the next step...

Look for rapport, access when choosing counsel.
February 1, 2007... Look for rapport, access when choosing counsel Risk managers spend a lot of time working with outside counsel, so choosing the right attorneys to handle your organization's legal matters can have a major impact on your department's success....

Patients' idea of med errors affects satisfaction.(Clinical report)
February 1, 2007... Patients' idea of med errors affects satisfaction All of the emphasis on reducing medical errors has not escaped your patients' attention, and they may be defining the term so broadly that they will never be satisfied with your care,...

Safety progress called 'abysmal' by Leapfrog.
February 1, 2007... Safety progress called 'abysmal' by Leapfrog Progress toward meeting key patient safety goals is "abysmal" at most hospitals, according to The Leapfrog Group, a patient safety advocacy organization in Washington, DC. The group recently...

A FREE white paper for you.
February 1, 2007... A FREE white paper for you AHC Media appreciates the faith you have placed in us to provide you with practical, authoritative information. As a token of our gratitude for your support, we would like to provide you with the free white...

CE Objectives/CNE Questions.(continuing education)(continuing medical education)
February 1, 2007... CE Objectives After reading this issue of Healthcare Risk Management, the CE participant should be able to: *Describe legal, clinical, financial, and managerial issues pertinent to risk management in health care. *Explain how...

Legal Review and Commentary: Improper use of forceps results in large federal tort verdict.
February 1, 2007... Legal Review and Commentary Improper use of forceps results in large federal tort verdict By Blake J. Delaney, Esq., Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC, Tampa, FL News: During a delivery, a contract OB/GYN improperly used forceps. The...

Legal Review and Commentary: $340,000 verdict follows Alzheimer's patient's case.
February 1, 2007... Legal Review and Commentary $340,000 verdict follows Alzheimer's patient's case News: An elderly man suffering from Alzheimer's disease was taken to the hospital for treatment of cough and body aches. When hospital staff completed...

HIPAA Regulatory Alert: Realities of disclosure: When docs violate patient privacy.(Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
February 1, 2007... HIPAA Regulatory Alert Realities of disclosure: When docs violate patient privacy Study shows while providers often violate HIPAA requirements, the intent is good While patients assume their doctors will work to maintain trust and...

HIPAA Regulatory Alert: Few privacy complaints are investigated further.
February 1, 2007... HIPAA Regulatory Alert Few privacy complaints are investigated further Analysis raises more questions than it answers The Department of Health and Human Services found that less than 25% of the total medical privacy complaints...

HIPAA Regulatory Alert: Wellness program final rule issued for employers.
February 1, 2007... HIPAA Regulatory Alert Wellness program final rule issued for employers The federal Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury have issued final rules to guide employers in complying with HIPAA nondiscrimination...