House Staff Manual - Winthrop University Hospital

Patient monitoring equipmentDialysis equipmentAnesthesia equipmentPoisoning occurring within the facility. This category of reportable incidents involves contaminated(bacteriological or chemical) water supply, food and drugs, as well as lethal medication errors, whichwould also be reportable under the first category of incidents.Patient elopements and kidnappings.When a reportable incident occurs, House Staff should notify the attending physician and appropriate nursemanager immediately. Typically the nurse manager completes the report form and delivers it to RiskManagement and Insurance Services, which then notifies the New York State Department of Health. Ifthere is any question as to whether an incident fits the criteria specified, it should be referred to RiskManagement and Insurance Services (ext. 2206)79. RISK MANAGEMENT AND INSURANCE SERVICESThe Department of Risk Management and Insurance Services has the responsibility to reduce and/orcontrol risks to patients and visitors through a system of tracking occurrences and identifying preventativeand corrective measures. All occurrences are reviewed in a blame-free environment with an emphasis onimproving processes as opposed to focusing on individuals.The department coordinates and manages malpractice case files and legal affairs that relate to patient careissues (professional liability), visitor and site-related issues (general liability). In addition, the departmenthas the responsibility for maintaining compliance with various state and federal regulations.House Staff should immediately notify the Risk Management and Insurance Services (ext. 2206) under thefollowing circumstances:Any treatment that results in patient harm or injuryDevices that have been used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment that have caused patient harm orinjuryWritten or verbal claims of malpracticeContact from anyone purporting to be an attorney, including a representative from the county districtattorney's office, police or any governmental representativeAll legal documents received relating to the resident's duties at Winthrop-University HospitalAny questions or issues relating to patient consent to treatment, patient refusal of treatment,withdrawal or withholding of life supportAll residents employed by Winthrop-University Hospital engaging in professional activities, within thescope of that employment are included in the hospital's self-insurance program, which is in excess of anyvalid and collectible insurance. All residents must participate in the defense of any litigation onrequest by the Hospital.The Risk Management and Insurance Services is available to offer guidance and assistance with any and alllegal issues.80. SENTINEL EVENTSRev. 1/08