Medical error disclosure programs are the norm in many healthcare practices.
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No matter how small or specialized your healthcare organization, you should be aware of your risk profile and take appropriate measures to protect against clinical, operational and financial exposures. NSO, along with our program underwriter CNA, has created Healthcare Perspective, is a publication designed to help.
Issue 12
Medical Error Disclosure: Acknowledging Mistakes Can Help Promote Optimal Resolution
Medical error disclosure programs are the norm in many healthcare practices, as “apology laws” proliferate, and healthcare practitioners and business owners increasingly recognize that candor represents an appropriate course of action from both an ethical and business perspective, helping to reduce lawsuits, legal expenses and judgments.
We examine:
- Legislative and coverage considerations
- Overcoming potential barriers to disclosure
- Suggested strategies when responding to an event
- Four important strategies for success:
- Make disclosure mandatory
- Teach staff how to apologize effectively and sincerely
- Do not procrastinate
- Protect staff who report incidents
Additional resources
Self-Assessment Checklist: The Four R's of Medical Error Disclosure
This publication is intended to inform Affinity Insurance Services, Inc., customers of potential liability in their practice. This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide individualized guidance. All descriptions, summaries or highlights of coverage are for general informational purposes only and do not amend, alter or modify the actual terms or conditions of any insurance policy. Coverage is governed only by the terms and conditions of the relevant policy. Any references to non-Aon, AIS, NSO, HPSO websites are provided solely for convenience, and Aon, AIS, NSO and HPSO disclaims any responsibility with respect to such websites. This information is not intended to offer legal advice or to establish appropriate or acceptable standards of professional conduct. Readers should consult with a lawyer if they have specific concerns. Neither Affinity Insurance Services, Inc., NSO, nor CNA assumes any liability for how this information is applied in practice or for the accuracy of this information.
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