Nationally recognized defense attorney Billy Bates shares strategies for mitigating risk after an unanticipated outcome. When a patient has an unexpected complication, the question often arises, what drives that patient or their family member to a lawyer to file a lawsuit? “There are more things physicians can do to prevent a lawsuit in the aftermath of a complication than they would ever really believe.” The healthcare team, including the doctor, has the ability to influence whether that happens.

This program will review areas of professional liability risk for physicians and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) by examining historical claims data. Although much of the data pertains to allegations against physicians, the information to be gained can be applied across the interprofessional healthcare team, including to APRNs. The APRN role has expanded since its inception, now comprising a larger scope of responsibilities, and seeing a higher rate of professional liability litigation. This consideration is especially important in states where full practice authority has been granted to APRNs.

Medical errors don’t always result in a lawsuit, but they each present an opportunity to prevent a similar error in the future. This webinar was inspired by Dr. Danielle Ofri’s book, When We Do Harm: A Doctor Confronts Medical Error. In the webinar, Dr. Ofri shares strategies for preventing and mitigating the effects of medical errors. She also sets the stage for part two of this webinar series. In part two, defense attorney Billy Bates gives advice on how to respond to a complication of treatment in a way that is most likely to reduce the risk of a future medical liability claim.

This healthcare risk management online seminar will focus on the opioid crisis and the impact of opioid prescribing on patient safety. The discussion will include closed claims and risk reduction strategies you may implement to mitigate your liability exposure and increase patient safety.

Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) are the most common adverse events affecting millions of patients annually worldwide. Recent evidence suggests that application of process improvement tools may decrease incidences of HAIs. Reducing preventable HAIs remains an imperative mission and is a continuous opportunity for improvement to maximize patient safety. This seminar will share actual scenarios and provide practical strategies to potentially prevent and mitigate risks associated with HAIs.

Widespread violence against physicians and other healthcare professionals continues to rise. Join us as we discuss how an ongoing public health emergency may derail response efforts to prevent or mitigate an active shooter or other violent incident. This seminar will share actual stories and provide practical strategies to potentially prevent and mitigate risks when an assault occurs.

Healthcare providers who prescribe controlled substances find themselves on the front lines of an ongoing epidemic all the while attempting to treat patient’s pain appropriately and according to established guidelines. This course provides a view of the opioid crisis from the eyes of a former DEA agent. Join Mr. Tucker as he provides valuable guidance on how to communicate with patients about opioids, the value of monitoring patient adherence, and how to identify and manage patients who exhibit aberrant behaviors symptomatic of non-compliance.   

This program is intended to increase awareness of the various common operational activities and transactions that can make your medical practice vulnerable. Most of these exposures are applicable to many businesses, such as employment practices, contracting and general liability; and some are more uniquely impactful to medical practices, such as vicarious liability for professional services and billing fraud and abuse. This activity will outline these exposures, highlight the regulations that typically govern them, including enforcement, and offer tips to mitigate these risks and enhance patient safety.

The number of LGBTQIA+ individuals who voluntarily share their gender identity increases every day. As awareness and visibility increases, individuals will continue to reveal their true selves. LGBTQIA+ patients struggle with barriers and fears that physician office practices and healthcare systems are often unaware exist. Many practices and healthcare systems receive little if any training on how to provide the best patient journey and how to minimize the associated risks. This presentation emphasizes the importance of physician and staff education, includes best practices, and discusses ways to mitigate discrimination risks.