Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM
Throughout their careers, and in the course of providing patient care, healthcare providers are exposed to liability risk. One type of risk that providers face is inquiries from state boards as a result of complaints about negligent practice or unethical or illegal behavior. These complaints might come from patients, their families, other providers, the state attorney general’s office, media reports, and so on. In some cases, complaints to the board also might coincide with malpractice lawsuits.
Read more 
Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM
Bias in healthcare is a persistent issue, both at institutional and individual levels. The downstream effect of this problem is evident in negative outcomes and health disparities for various populations. In particular, issues of bias have been noted in research focusing on variances in pain management. Studies have shown that:
Read more 
Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM
The impact of organizational culture on productivity, morale, staff retention, patient outcomes, safety, security, and overall well-being in healthcare is profound. A toxic culture can enable or even encourage a range of inappropriate and harmful behaviors, such as bullying, sexual harassment, microaggressions, and abuses of power.
Read more 
Susan Lucot, MSN, RN, MLT (ASCP), CPHRM
The senior care and senior living fields face many challenges, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19. Issues include decreased quality in management and staffing, reduced adherence to resident selection and retention criteria, increases in state survey deficiency citations, and rising medical malpractice claims. A particularly alarming concern is the growing number of younger adults with behavioral health disorders (e.g., psychiatric conditions and substance use disorders) that are admitted to various types of senior care facilities.
Read more 
Susan Lucot, MSN, RN, MLT (ASCP), CPHRM
Co-mingling of younger residents who have behavioral health disorders with older adult residents suffering from dementia and/or behavioral health disorders is increasingly common in senior care settings, but it also presents risks.
Read more
Susan Lucot, MSN, RN, MLT (ASCP), CPHRM
Admission and discharge criteria are a critical aspect of ensuring safety in senior care settings. Every type of senior care setting should have well-defined resident admission and discharge criteria and strictly adhere to implementing these standards. The foundation for the criteria is the organization’s business goals and mission. Fundamentally, who does your organization intend to serve and what level of care is within your capacity?
Read more Susan Lucot, MSN, RN, MLT (ASCP), CPHRM
One of the most influential contributing factors in senior care medical malpractice claims is inadequate staffing — and not only in quantity of staff but also in dedication, knowledge, experience, and skills. Competent, committed, and compassionate staff members are invaluable. Simply hiring someone to fill a position is not sufficient. The role of the direct caregiver requires delivery of high-quality and consistent care rooted in evidence-based practice along with empathetic customer service.
Read more Susan Lucot, MSN, RN, MLT (ASCP), CPHRM
People reside in senior care settings not only for care and assistance with activities of daily living, but also for socialization and life-enrichment opportunities. Connection and interaction are vital aspects of well-being; yet residents who have behavioral health disorders and/or dementia might feel disconnected or isolated.
Read more
