Healthcare Risk Management – October 1, 2003
October 1, 2003
View Archives Issues
-
Final EMTALA rule lessens risk, yet getting docs on-call still a problem
There is much for risk managers to rejoice about in the final rule of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), with many of the most vexing parts of the law either clarified or eliminated altogether. But there still is plenty to keep you busy. -
Audio conference clarifies final EMTALA regulations
To provide you with critical information on the updated regulations from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Thomson American Health Consultants offers "New EMTALA Regulations: Are They Too Good to be True?" an audio conference on Tuesday, Oct. 21, from 2:30-3:30 p.m., ET. -
Quick guide to specifics of the final EMTALA rule
These highlights of the final EMTALA rule were summarized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. -
Blackout shows need for generator maintenance
When a blackout struck the northeastern United States recently, some hospitals encountered difficulties that offer a lesson for risk managers about issues that may be overlooked during your typical emergency planning sessions. -
Pain cases settled: Nursing home fined
In a case watched closely as a harbinger of what can happen when a health care provider undertreats pain, two doctors and two health care facilities reached settlements just before the case was scheduled for trial. The results of the case should get the attention of any risk manager who doubts that poor pain management is a major liability risk. -
Reader Questions
"How can we be sure were getting all the discounts and credits that were entitled to on our liability insurance? Do I have to go looking for them or can I trust the insurer to offer everything that applies?" Also, "Were in the process of reorganizing some departments and upper management wants me to take on the responsibility of handling media inquiries. Is this a proper role for the risk manager?" -
In brief
GAO: Claim losses lead to rate increases; Florida predicts savings from liability reform -
Legal Review & Commentary: Failure of a timely diagnosis leads to cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and a $55.6 million verdict
A minor complaining of fever and wheezing was admitted to a hospital. After going to two other hospitals for the same symptoms and being discharged each time over a three-day period, the plaintiff arrested while en route to further care. A jury awarded the plaintiff $55.6 million, which was reduced to present cash value of $20 million. -
Legal Review & Commentary: Baby’s delay leads to $19 million settlement
One summer morning, a pregnant woman was admitted to a hospital with irregular contractions. The hospital nursing staff initiated a fetal heart monitor; and by midafternoon, the fetuss heart rate was decelerating. However, when an obstetrician called to check on the patient, the nursing staff told him everything was fine. -
Patient Safety Alert Supplement
The behavioral health department may not be the first place you would look to launch a patient safety initiative, but the team at Overlook Hospital in Summit, NJ, is expecting just such an undertaking to yield big dividends.