Understanding Vicarious Liability and Implementing Strategies to Reduce Risks

Jeanne E. Mapes, JD, CPCU, CPHRM

Healthcare providers who employ staff members need to be cognizant of the legal concept of vicarious liability. Vicarious liability arose out of the common law theory of respondeat superior, “a legal doctrine . . . that holds an employer or principal legally responsible for the wrongful acts of an employee or agent, if such acts occur within the scope of the employment or agency.” ¹

Using Pain Management Agreements as a Tool to Promote Patient Adherence to Treatment

Patients who suffer from chronic pain can be challenging to successfully treat. In addition to finding the optimal course of treatment, issues related to patients adhering to treatment plans can be problematic. Thus, healthcare providers who prescribe pain medications might want to consider using pain management agreements to set standards and expectations related to care and treatment and to reinforce the importance of following treatment regimens.

Strategies to Prevent Maternal Morbidity and Mortality

An increasing number of pregnant women in the United States have chronic health conditions — such as hypertension, diabetes, and chronic heart disease — that put them at higher risk for pregnancy complications. When combined with hemorrhage, cardiovascular disease, sepsis, and other health problems, these conditions have been responsible for a large number of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States.

Managing Medical Emergencies: A Three-Pronged Approach for Healthcare Practices

Medical emergencies — unexpected events that lead to bodily injuries or critical medical conditions — can occur anywhere, including healthcare practices. In fact, the occurrence of medical emergencies in healthcare settings might not be as uncommon as many people think. For example:

Preventing Medical Emergencies in Healthcare Practices

Medical emergencies can and will occur in healthcare practice settings, making preparation paramount. A vital step in preparing for a medical emergency is developing a written emergency response plan. When creating or evaluating your practice’s plan for responding to unexpected medical crises, consider the following:

Preparing for Medical Emergencies in Healthcare Practices

Medical emergencies can and will occur in healthcare practice settings, making preparation paramount. A vital step in preparing for a medical emergency is developing a written emergency response plan. When creating or evaluating your practice’s plan for responding to unexpected medical crises, consider the following:

Taking Action During Medical Emergencies in Healthcare Practices

Thoroughly preparing for medical emergencies requires time and resources, but the results can prove significant. When an emergency occurs, healthcare providers and staff members must be ready to quickly implement their emergency response plans. Failure to do so might result in significant consequences for the individual having the emergency.

When the System Goes Down: Proactive Planning for Electronic Health Record Downtime

Electronic health record (EHR) systems are ubiquitous in healthcare and serve as the primary repository for important patient health information. When properly implemented, these systems have proven beneficial as part of emergency management and response efforts. They can help preserve data, facilitate the quick transfer of critical information, and ensure continuity of care.