Cyberinsurance Now a Necessity, But Choose Coverage Wisely

Insurance to cover cyberattacks leading to data breaches, ransom, and interference with medical care is becoming more popular with hospitals and health systems, almost becoming as much a necessity as malpractice coverage and general liability insurance.

Watch for Common Pitfalls in Cybercoverage

Healthcare risk managers may mistakenly assume that a commercial insurance policy will cover the damage related from cyberattacks, but that is often not the case.

Expanding Cyberinsurance Market Brings Benefits to Healthcare

The expansion of the cyberinsurance market means that healthcare organizations can get more coverage for a lower premium than in the past.

Anthem Settlement Holds Lessons on Data Breaches, Costs

Anthem’s recent $115 million settlement — one of the largest ever in a consumer data breach — shows how costly a breach can be for a healthcare organization. Risk managers should remember that even a much smaller breach could be financially devastating.

Nursing Shortage, Technology Changes Could Bring Liability Risks

The new year will bring nursing-related liability risks that involve the aging labor force, the changing healthcare industry, and technology, says an industry analyst.

Sexual Harassment Is a Serious Issue in Healthcare Settings

Sexual harassment occurs more frequently in healthcare settings than risk managers might imagine, and the potential liability can be significant.

Did ED Fail to Give Appropriate Discharge Instructions?

An ED patient was prescribed antibiotics but never filled the prescription. A few days later, the patient returned to the ED, septic. The patient sued, alleging that the EP should have admitted the patient for further evaluation.

Hospital Liable for Technicians’ Treatment Resulting in Child’s Hypoxia

Hospitals must assure that the medical staff oversees the rules, regulations, and policies that delineate who can do what, under which circumstances and under what level of supervision.

Delayed Laboratory Analysis Results in Permanent Paralysis and $44.5 Million Verdict

This case serves as an example to physicians and medical providers that ordering medical tests is not a matter of order and forget.

Operational Issues Often Hamper Access to Patient Records

Research continues to show that patients are denied access to medical records because of HIPAA-related restrictions and processes.

Hefty HIPAA Penalties for Allowing TV Cameras in Hospitals

OCR has reaffirmed its position on television film crews in clinical care areas, issuing substantial fines on three hospitals that OCR says violated HIPAA by disclosing PHI to a broadcast news organization.

Hospital Cited for Recording Psych Patient in ED

A Minnesota hospital violated patient privacy by recording patients without their knowledge or consent during psychiatric evaluations in the ED, according to a CMS investigation.