Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM
History has shown that natural disasters and other environmental crises can occur with limited warning and may necessitate a rapid emergency response. Between 2020 and 2023, more than 275 major disaster declarations and 175 emergency declarations occurred in the United States, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).1
Read more Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM
History has shown society's vulnerability to environmental disasters, but it also has shown how preparedness efforts can have a significant impact on disaster outcomes. Despite an element of unpredictability that is inherent in many natural and manmade environmental emergencies, planning and preparation are powerful and effective tools for managing these situations.
Read more Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM
Environmental emergencies can occur at any time and any place, and they can have widespread consequences for individuals, businesses, and communities. Natural disasters, severe weather, industrial accidents, chemical and oil spills, and unintentional radiation exposure are all examples of potential environmental emergencies.
Read more Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM
Informed consent plays a crucial role in patients' rights to autonomy and to make educated decisions about their healthcare. The right to consent to treatment or refuse treatment generally applies to competent adults. When patients are children, the process of informed consent is slightly different, but no less important.
Read more Contract administration and management in healthcare practices can be daunting tasks. Healthcare providers often are involved in numerous contractual agreements, including arrangements with managed care organizations, office and equipment supply vendors, technology systems vendors, landlords, collection agencies, answering services, insurance carriers, partners, employees, and employee benefits providers. Contracts also might be in place for other services, such as serving as a training site for students or fulfilling a medical director role for a long-term care facility.
Read more Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM
Cybersecurity and cyberattacks have been a persistent and escalating concern in healthcare with the advancement of electronic health records, digital data, medical devices, personal electronic devices, cloud technologies, and artificial intelligence (AI). As technology has evolved, so too have the activities and sophistication of cyber criminals.
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The patient was a female who had limited English proficiency (LEP). She saw Dr. B, an associate in a busy general dental practice, for extraction of tooth number 32. A dental assistant took a periapical X-ray that depicted most of the root but missed the last few millimeters of the apex. The tooth was partially impacted, accessible to the oral cavity, and possessed fused conical roots.
Read more 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
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