News Archive |
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May 1, 2012 - MLMIC's CME Program awarded Accreditation with Commendation by MSSNY
May 1, 2012 - MLMIC endorsed by New York State Medical Group Management Association April 23, 2012 - New updates to the MLMIC Library April 10, 2012 - MLMIC's 2011 Annual Report is now available February 1, 2012 - MLMIC Endorsed by New York County Dental Society December 5, 2011 - MLMIC's 2011 Annual Risk Management Seminar Audio Recording and Handouts Available. August 12, 2011 – Physician Premium Rates Announcement. June 17, 2011 – www.RxEvent.org Adverse Drug Event Tracking System Launched. May 11, 2011 - MLMIC's Annual Report is now available online. April 18, 2011 - MLMIC ANNOUNCES NEW CLAIMS FREE DISCOUNT FOR PHYSICIANS. March 21, 2011 - An Important Message from Dr Menotti, MLMIC’s President, regarding Tort Reform. March 2011 – MLMIC’s online version of Proactive Risk Management Follow-Up Program IV is now available. March 2011 - Do I need to complete a Risk Management Program at this time? January 11, 2011 - MLMIC collaborates with the Department of Health on the "One & Only Campaign" for safe injection practices. November 19, 2010 - MLMIC's 2010 Annual Risk Management Seminar Audio Recording and Handouts Available April 5, 2010 - MLMIC's Dateline is now available Online April 5, 2010 - MLMIC's Annual Report is now available Online March 4, 2010 - MLMIC's Spring 2010 Proactive Risk Management Program Schedule Available February 17, 2010 - MLMIC 2009 Annual Risk Management Seminar August 13, 2009 - Letter from your President March 11, 2009 - Register online for the Internet-based program January 14, 2009 - Office-Based Surgery Accreditation New Web site Login System The Health Care Notification Network Dr. Robert A. Menotti elected MLMIC President RELEASE OF THE HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS VACCINE May 1, 2012 - MLMIC's CME Program awarded Accreditation with Commendation by MSSNYMLMIC's Continuing Medical Education (CME) Program has been resurveyed by the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) and awarded Accreditation with Commendation for a term of six years as a provider of CME for physicians. This is the highest accreditation awarded by MSSNY and extends MLMIC's CME accreditation approval to 2018.Back to top May 1, 2012 - MLMIC endorsed by New York State Medical Group Management AssociationMLMIC has received the exclusive endorsement of the New York State Medical Group Management Association (NYMGMA), a not-for-profit organization supporting medical practice management.Back to top April 23, 2012 - New updates to the MLMIC LibraryRecent upgrades to MLMIC.com will now make it even easier and more convenient for policyholders to search the MLMIC Library's extensive collections of patient safety and risk management titles. An upgraded search engine provides results for keyword or subject heading searches. Policyholders may borrow the Library's books, DVDs and CD-ROMs for a six week period.To start using the MLMIC Library, please click here. Policyholders may also send a request for customized research and educational assistance to the Library Administrator. As always, access to the library's collection, and research resources, are available to our policyholders on a complimentary basis. Back to top April 10, 2012 - MLMIC's 2011 Annual Report is now availableMLMIC is pleased to inform our policyholders that you can now view MLMIC's 2011 Annual Report. click hereBack to top February 1, 2012 - MLMIC Endorsed by New York County Dental SocietyMLMIC is pleased to announce that it has received the exclusive endorsement of the New York County Dental Society (NYCDS) as their dental professional liability insurance carrier. MLMIC and NYCDS look forward to reestablishing their relationship and the opportunity to provide New York County dentists with the best possible professional liability protection, plus the highest level of personalized service.The NYSDA-MLMIC Program for Dental Professional Liability Insurance, a joint program developed by the New York State Dental Association and MLMIC, is now in its 20th year. The Program is run by dentists for dentists and currently insures over 4,000 dentists throughout the state. Back to top December 5, 2011 - MLMIC's 2011 Annual Risk Management Seminar Audio Recording and Handouts AvailableThe 26th Annual Risk Management Seminar, held in Syracuse, NY, on September 23, 2011, addressed several key and timely issues in the areas of patient safety and risk management. Over 80 executives and risk management professionals representing 33 New York hospitals and healthcare organizations were in attendance.MLMIC policyholders may click here to order a complimentary audio recording of the seminar on CD, as well as a copy of the related handouts, from MLMIC's Lending Library. Policyholders may keep these materials to both reference and share with their coworkers. The seminar included opening remarks by Dr. Robert A. Menotti, President, MLMIC, and four presentations: Risk Strategies for Dealing with Emerging Practice Models: Accountable Care Organizations and Hospital Owned Physician Groups presented by Nancy H. Nielsen, MD, PhD, Senior Advisor, CMS Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, Department of Health & Human Services Adverse Events in Ambulatory Surgery: An Update from the DOH presented by Nancey P. Agard, RN, MS, Health Policy Associate, Patient Safety Center, NYSDOH Managing Risk for HAIs: Is Your Facility at Risk? presented by Russell S. Nassof, Esq., Executive Vice President, RiskNomics, LLC Palliative Care Information Act presented by Patricia A. Bomba, MD, Vice President, Medical Director, Geriatrics, Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield; Chair, MOLST Statewide Implementation Team Should you require additional information regarding MLMIC's 2011 Annual Risk Management Seminar, please click here. Back to top August 12, 2011 – Physician Premium Rates AnnouncementThe Superintendent of Insurance accepted our recommendation that the base rate remain unchanged for all physician policyholders for the July 1, 2011 – July 1, 2012 policy year. However, even though the base rate is unchanged, the Superintendent approved physician class and territory rate modifications which are consistent with our goal to achieve equity among the specialties and locations of practice. Policyholders may read more about these changes on MLMIC's secure website by clicking here to login. After logging in, the document labeled "2011 – 2012 Physician Premium Rates Announcement" will appear in the right hand margin.Back to top June 17, 2011 – www.RxEvent.org Adverse Drug Event Tracking System Launched.PDR Network and its partners announced the launch of a new online network to collect and distribute adverse drug events in the United States. The new service, called RxEvent, is an easily accessible, standardized online system which collects and distributes adverse drug events from within prescriber workflow of EHRs, and directly from www.RxEvent.org. Expected benefits include improvements to prescriber convenience, manufacturer cost-efficiency, and the quality of information ultimately reported to the FDA.For more information on PDR Network programs and products, please visit www.pdrnetwork.com. Back to top May 11, 2011 - MLMIC's Annual Report is now available online.MLMIC is please to inform our policyholders that you can now view MLMIC's 2010 Annual Report on our Web site. To view the 2010 Annual report, click here.Back to top April 18, 2011 - MLMIC ANNOUNCES NEW CLAIMS FREE DISCOUNT FOR PHYSICIANSNew York, NY… Medical Liability Mutual Insurance Company (MLMIC), in its continuous effort to reduce the onerous burden of high premiums paid by its physician and surgeon policyholders, has recently received the approval of the New York State Insurance Department to offer them a claims free discount, effective July 1, 2011. This new and important benefit will provide a 7.5% premium discount to those physicians and surgeons who qualify and who are insured for professional liability coverage through MLMIC. Currently, 54% of MLMIC-insured physicians will qualify for the discount. The discount may also apply to new applicants who provide claims free loss histories and meet the qualifications.MLMIC filed this program with the Insurance Department because its actuaries have indicated that past favorable claim experience is strongly indicative of what can be expected in future years. Therefore, it stands to reason that policyholders who are claims free should receive a reduction in premium. To qualify, a physician must have been in practice for a minimum of five years, and he/she must have no open claims and no closed claims with paid indemnity or expense within the five-year period immediately preceding June 15, 2011, regardless of the accident date or report date. As the largest physician-owned professional liability insurance company in New York State, with over $590 million in annual premium, MLMIC has always maintained its commitment to provide policyholders with the highest quality professional liability insurance available at the lowest possible cost. For more information about MLMIC's new claims free discount, physicians can click here to contact MLMIC electronically. Back to top March 21, 2011 - An Important Message from Dr Menotti, MLMIC's President, regarding Tort Reform.The time is now -- this is our chance to obtain meaningful tort reform in New York State!A $250,000 cap on non-economic damages and the establishment of an indemnity fund for neurologically-impaired infants are included in Governor Cuomo's Budget. I encourage all my colleagues to send e-mails, letters, or faxes to their State Senator and Assemblyperson asking them to support these extremely important reforms. They will dramatically reduce the enormous burden of medical malpractice premiums on physicians and hospitals and increase availability of medical care to the citizens of our state. Please visit the Web sites listed below and sign the online petition. Also, send the links to your colleagues, family, patients, and friends, asking them to join in the cause. The more people who petition our elected officials in Albany, the better our chances will be of getting these proposals passed. I strongly encourage you to take an active part in seeing that this legislation is enacted. Our medical community needs your support. Please act now! www.medmaltruth.org www.docsformedmalreform.org www.protectnymoms.org Back to top March 2011 – MLMIC's online version of Proactive Risk Management Follow-Up Program IV is now available.Physicians, dentists and mid-level healthcare providers who have individual policies with MLMIC may register for, and complete, the online version of the Proactive Risk Management Follow-Up Program IV.To register, please log in to your account by clicking the Login link located in the upper-right corner of each MLMIC.com page. If you are already logged in, please click on the My Account link, also located in the upper-right corner of each page. Once you are at the My Account Profile page, under Current Offerings, click the "Register" button next to the listing for the Risk Management program and follow the instructions as they are presented. Should you have any questions regarding this program, please do not hesitate to contact MLMIC's Risk Management Department at (212) 576-9601. Back to top March 2011 - Do I need to complete a Risk Management Program at this time?You need to complete a risk management program if, under "Current Offerings" on your Account page, you see the option to register for either the "Proactive Basic Risk Management Program" or the "Proactive Risk Management Follow-Up Program IV."Should you have any questions regarding MLMIC's Risk Management Programs, please contact us at (212) 576-9601. Back to top January 11, 2011 - MLMIC collaborates with the Department of Health on the "One & Only Campaign" for safe injection practices.The Safe Injection Practices Coalition (SIPC), joined by the Departments of Health of New York, New Jersey, and Nevada, is raising awareness among patients and healthcare providers about safe injection practices. By practicing the Campaign's slogan, "One Needle, One Syringe, Only One Time," for each and every injection, the risk of infections will be greatly reduced.Since 1999, more than 125,000 patients in the United States have been notified of potential exposure to hepatitis B and C viruses and HIV, following the administration of injections. Injections can range from the flu shot and other vaccinations to pain blocks and treatment for cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Many of these lapses involved healthcare providers reusing syringes, drawing multiple doses from single dose medication vials, or reusing diluting solutions. Confusion regarding the labeling of medication vials, lack of awareness and education about safe practices, and mistaken beliefs about the risks associated with syringe reuse all contribute to the problem. Injection safety includes practices intended to prevent transmission of infectious diseases between one patient and another, or between a patient and a healthcare provider, as well as to prevent harm, such as needle stick injuries. We urge you and your staff to review the campaign's program material and view their 12 minute safe injection practices video on their Web site at: http://www.oneandonlycampaign.org/ Back to top November 19, 2010 - MLMIC's 2010 Annual Risk Management Seminar Audio Recording and Handouts AvailableThe 25th Annual Risk Management Seminar, held in Albany, NY, on October 29, 2010, addressed several key and timely issues in the areas of patient safety and risk management. Over 75 executives and risk management professionals, representing 32 New York hospitals and healthcare organizations, were in attendance.MLMIC policyholders may click here to order a complimentary audio recording of the seminar on CD, as well as copies of the related handouts, from MLMIC's Lending Library. Policyholders may keep these materials to both reference and share with their coworkers. The seminar included opening remarks by Dr. Robert A. Menotti, President, MLMIC, and three presentations:
Back to top April 5, 2010 – MLMIC's Dateline is now available OnlineMLMIC is pleased to inform our policyholders that you can now view MLMIC's Spring 2010 Dateline on our Web site. To view the Spring 2010 Dateline, click here.Back to top April 5, 2010 – MLMIC's Annual Report is now available OnlineMLMIC is pleased to inform our policyholders that you can now view MLMIC's 2009 Annual Report on our Web site. To view the 2009 Annual Report, click here.Back to top March 4, 2010 - MLMIC's Spring 2010 Proactive Risk Management Program Schedule AvailableMLMIC's Spring 2010 Proactive Risk Management program schedule was mailed this week to eligible physicians and dentists who have individual policies with MLMIC or MMIP. In addition to their educational value, these programs are being offered to physicians and dentists so that they may receive the applicable premium credit (5%, VAP or UPLA), and/or qualify for participation in the "free" excess insurance program, effective July 1, 2010. MLMIC's mid-level provider policyholders and its policyholders' medical office staff were also invited, with the expectation that they too will benefit from the educational content of the program.MLMIC will be offering two courses this Spring: the Proactive Basic Risk Management Program, which must be completed first; and the Proactive Risk Management Follow-Up Program III, which will be offered to those who have already completed the basic course. Both programs address a number of risk management and healthcare law topics which are of current interest to healthcare providers in all medical specialties. If you have questions regarding MLMIC's Spring 2010 Proactive Risk Management program schedule, please call the Risk Management Department at (800) 275-6564, weekdays 9:00 AM - 4:45 PM, or click here to submit them electronically. Back to top March 11, 2009 - Register online for the Internet-based program, which you can begin right away, or for a live conference program that will be held this spring, and get instant confirmation!Registration forms and schedules for MLMIC's spring 2009 Proactive Risk Management Program have been mailed to all eligible physicians and dentists who have individual policies with MLMIC or the Medical Malpractice Insurance Pool (MMIP). In addition to their educational value, these programs are being offered to physicians and dentists so that they may receive the applicable premium credit (5%, VAP or UPLA), and/or qualify for participation in the "free" excess insurance program, effective July 1, 2009. Schedules have also been mailed to MLMIC's mid-level provider policyholders, with the expectation that they too will benefit from the educational content. Physicians are also encouraged to invite members of their office staff to participate in the program.MLMIC is offering two courses this spring: the Proactive Basic Risk Management Program, which must be completed first; and the Proactive Risk Management Follow-Up Program III, which is being offered to those who have already completed the basic course. Invitees can attend a live presentation of either program (which are scheduled from late April through June 2009, at conference sites throughout New York State) or complete an Internet-based program, which utilizes streaming video technology. The content and length of each program are the same in either format. Should you have any questions regarding this mailing or MLMIC's risk management program, please do not hesitate to contact the Risk Management Department at (212) 576-9601. Back to top January 14, 2009 - Office-Based Surgery AccreditationAs a service to our policyholders, I wish to alert you that the deadline for obtaining formal accreditation, as required by New York State, for every medical practice that performs office-based surgery (OBS) is quickly approaching. OBS, as specifically defined by the Public Health Law, includes any surgical or invasive procedure utilizing general anesthesia or moderate to deep sedation. Unfortunately, there are a limited number of New York State-approved accrediting agencies and the deadline for completing accreditation by one of these agencies is July 14, 2009. Since the process takes several months, time is of the essence in seeking accreditation.I am concerned that any delay may result in a failure to obtain accreditation. Thus, it is critical for any physician that plans to perform OBS to begin the process well in advance of July 14, 2009. The requirements for accreditation apply to your practice as a whole, regardless of the number of physicians in the group. Further, each OBS location must be accredited if the physician practices at multiple locations. Please note that after July 14, 2009, performance of OBS by any physician, physician assistant, or specialist assistant in a non-accredited practice will be prohibited and considered professional misconduct. Furthermore, your failure to obtain accreditation of an office-based surgical practice, or to practice at a location that has not received the required accreditation, may potentially impact the defense of a lawsuit involving an office-based surgical complication. For further information regarding the details of the law, please visit the Department of Health Web site. In addition, the attorneys of Fager & Amsler, LLP, may be contacted at (877) 426-9555, weekdays 9:00 AM - 4:45 PM, or by clicking here, to answer any questions you might have with respect to these guidelines. If you intend to perform OBS, I strongly recommend that you promptly seek accreditation for your practice. Sincerely, Dr. Robert Menotti President Medical Liability Mutual Insurance Company Back to top New Web site Login System Created for MLMIC-Insured Physicians and DentistsAs a service to its policyholders, Medical Liability Mutual Insurance Company (MLMIC) has created a new secure login system for its Web site. This login method will allow MLMIC-Insured physicians and dentists to create a unique, permanent Username and Password combination, which will enable them to access services and features on the Web site that are offered to policyholders only.Initially, this login system will be used for MLMIC's Proactive Risk Management Program registration. If you have received correspondence from MLMIC about participating in a Risk Management program, and you wish to do so online, you may begin the new login process by clicking the "Click here to login" link in the gray box on the left side of your screen. From that point, please follow the instructions as they are presented. You will need to enter your date of birth, the last four digits of your social security number, and your MLMIC-assigned reference number. Your reference number is the series of letters and numbers immediately following your name in the "Who Is Insured" section of your MLMIC policy Declaration Page. Please keep in mind that this information is secured by the Verisign security system. Should you have any questions regarding this system, please click here to contact MLMIC. 
Back to top The Health Care Notification NetworkIn an attempt to improve patient safety as related to prescription medications and other products, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has requested assistance in delivering electronic product-related patient safety notices to health care providers so that they receive them in a more timely, efficient, and effective manner. The current process, which relies on paper and the U.S. mail, is slow, expensive, and inefficient and leads to delays in notifying physicians and patients of important patient safety issues. The FDA notes that the resultant failure to inform physicians and patients of important patient safety issues in a timely fashion is a critical problem, so it is encouraging the delivery of notices online. Over the past two years, a group of medical societies, liability carriers, and other groups have formed the iHealth Alliance, a not-for-profit corporation with goals that include improving patient safety using electronic means. The American Medical Association, a leader in this area, is also participating. The iHealth Alliance has worked with the FDA, manufacturers, medical societies, and others to create a network for delivering patient safety notifications to providers online that will fulfill FDA regulations and make the delivery timely, effective, and efficient for physicians. Key aspects of the Health Care Notification Network (HCNN) include the following: 1. It is free to physicians. (Their e-mail addresses will be used only for patient safety notifications, not for marketing purposes—no lists will be sold to or used by third parties.) 2. Physicians will receive the notices days to weeks ahead of current paper/U.S. mail–based notifications. 3. Physicians can identify additional e-mail recipients for office staff who should also receive these notices. 4. The funding for the HCNN comes from user fees paid by manufacturers. 5. Providers can opt out of the HCNN at any time. The HCNN will provide rapid online communication with physicians for FDA-mandated product recalls and warnings to replace the existing paper notifications sent via U.S. mail. Physicians not enrolled in the HCNN or those who enroll but do not open their e-mail notifications will be notified via standard mail. Physicians can elect to have other practice staff members notified via e-mail to increase efficiency. Practices can also forward notifications via e-mail to their patients and post them on their Web sites. The iHealth Alliance will also be working with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on the appropriate use of the HCNN for national public health emergencies, and the CDC has been offered a liaison seat on the iHealth Alliance board similar to the FDA's liaison participation. It is hoped that in the near future, CDC public health messages and bioterrorism alerts as well as manufacturer patient safety notices will be added to the HCNN. Medical Liability Mutual Insurance Company (MLMIC) believes that disseminating FDA product recalls and warnings has the potential to reduce malpractice claims—and, ultimately, decrease malpractice insurance premiums. We are asking our insured physicians to enroll in the HCNN and receive their FDA-related patient safety notifications online. You should have received specific instructions for HCNN enrollment. If you have not received the information and would like a copy of the enrollment form, please contact MLMIC's Risk Management department at (800) 275-6564 or download and print it by clicking the link below. HCNN Enrollment Form Back to top Dr. Robert A. Menotti elected MLMIC PresidentRobert A. Menotti, M.D., a distinguished surgeon, was elected President of Medical Liability Mutual Insurance Company (MLMIC) at its Annual Meeting in May 2007. Prior to his election as President, Dr. Menotti was an active member of MLMIC's Board of Directors, serving, since 1989, on the company's Executive, Finance, Underwriting, and Claims Committees. Further, he was Vice President and Treasurer beginning in 2004 and Vice President and Secretary beginning in 2006. Dr. Menotti had also been on the Board of Directors of two former MLMIC subsidiaries, Ohio Hospital Insurance Company (OHIC), from 2004 to 2006, and Professional Liability Insurance Company of America (PLICA), from 1997 to 2004.Dr. Menotti received his medical degree from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1972. A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Menotti is a Diplomate on both the National Board of Medical Examiners and the American Board of Surgery. From 1977 until the year 2000, he was a valued staff member at several healthcare facilities in Utica, including Faxton, St. Elizabeth's, and St. Luke's Hospitals, the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center, and the Central New York Psychiatric Center. At Faxton Hospital, Dr. Menotti was Director of the Intensive Care Unit from 1977-1992, Chairman of the Department of Surgery from 1982-1983 and again from 1991-1992, and Medical Staff President in 1986. An active member of organized medicine, Dr. Menotti has, over the years, held many positions within the Medical Society of the State of New York; the New York State Department of Health, Board for Professional Medical Conduct; and the American Medical Association. He is also a past president of the Oneida County Medical Society and held several offices in the New York Chapter of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Menotti is a very capable individual who understands MLMIC's mission and culture, and we are delighted to have him lead the company going forward. Back to top RELEASE OF THE HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS VACCINEThe Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been released for administration to patients in a series of three doses. The FDA has approved the use of the vaccine for females from ages 9-26. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that the vaccine be given routinely to females aged 11-12 and has also approved its use for females 13-26. ACIP also concurs with the FDA that it can be administered to females as young as age 9. However, although physicians can treat minors for STDs, like the HPV, without parental consent, the New York State Department of Health has determined that this vaccine is not a "treatment" and parental consent is required prior to administering the vaccine to minors. Thus, all physicians must obtain consent from a parent of a minor patient, prior to initiating this series of three inoculations. Although parental consent can be documented in a note in the patient's medical record, the safest way to confirm that parental consent actually has been obtained is to request that the parent sign a consent form. Fager & Amsler, LLP, has developed a consent form template for the Human Papillomavirus vaccine. If you wish to request a copy, please call one of the Fager & Amsler, LLP offices, weekdays 9:00 AM - 4:45 PM, or click here to request a copy electronically.Back to top |