Medical Malpractice Insurance News

Responsibly prescribing medications, identifying patients with opioid use disorders, initiating conversations and developing treatment plans may help physicians handle drug-seeking patients while mitigating risk.

Although antibiotics resistance is known as a major public health concern, physicians continue to overprescribe these drugs. MLMIC examines how to mitigate this issue.

To mitigate risk, MLMIC examines common sources of medical errors such as medication mistakes, lack of communication and workplace distractions.

The American Hospital Association says the guilty verdict for a nurse who made a medication error “discourages health caregivers from coming forward with their mistakes.” The trial raises important questions about electronic device management, alert overrides and provider burnout.

MLMIC encourages policyholders to review these important Risk Management Checklists on medication management, specifically, handling prescription medication to maximize patient safety. Be sure to view or download the checklist for use in your dental practice.

New research indicates there are not significant differences in clinical outcomes or overall experiences between post-surgical patients who receive narcotics and those treated with over-the-counter NSAIDs.

The Biden-Harris Administration recently released its Statement of Drug Policy Priorities to continue the effort to end the opioid epidemic. The list works in tandem with the American Dental Association’s similar goals to curb opioid use. Knowledge about opioid prescription misuse is crucial for dentists, who prescribe 1 in 10 opioid prescriptions in the United States.

A troubling percentage of long-COVID patients are using opioids to address the scope of symptoms that can cripple one’s health for months after a diagnosis.

ECRI’s 2021 list of patient safety concerns can help health systems effectively identify, prioritize and respond to patient safety threats.

Patient noncompliance is one of the most difficult challenges for healthcare providers. Noncompliance may include missed appointments and the failure to follow a plan of care, take medications as prescribed, or obtain recommended tests or consultations. Review this Risk Management Tip from MLMIC to reinforce related policies and protocols within your practice or facility.