July/August 2002
Click here for a pdf version of this document
Return to Archive
Inside this Issue:
Learning from - and with - the best
For the latest on patient safety, risk financing, disaster readiness, regulations and legislation - and invaluable networking opportunities - Seattle is the place to be next month.
"Safe & Sound in Seattle" is the theme of ASHRM's 2002 Annual Conference & Exhibition in the Emerald City, and nearly 2,000 participants are expected to take advantage of the year's premier opportunity for exchanging ideas with peers and developing risk management skills with experts.
Pre-conference activities include the Barton Certificate in Healthcare Risk Management Module II ("Claims Management and Legal Issues") Sept. 27 and 28, and a workshop for invited chapter leaders Sept. 28.
The conference will open with a first-time attendees' breakfast at 8 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 29. The day will conclude with the opening of the exhibit hall with the best complement of exhibitors in health care risk management. Dozens of exhibitors - many them first-timers at the ASHRM conference - will showcase products and services that reflect the spectrum of ASHRM members' interests.
For the first time since 2000, an onsite pencil & paper version of the CPHRM exam will be offered on Sept. 29. For those unable to make the Aug. 16 exam registration deadline, a prep session preceding the exam on Sept. 29 is still open and could be beneficial to anyone taking the electronic version of the exam, which is offered year-round through many H&R Block locations (call 312-422-3713 to learn more about the CPHRM).
Educational sessions will be held Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. A top-flight faculty of thought leaders in health care risk management will lead more than 40 sessions designed to help participants return to work energized with new ideas and problem-solving strategies.
This year's mix of general sessions includes the senior vice president of the trauma center closest to the World Trade Center, who will talk about emergency preparedness: How well prepared is our health care industry, one year later? Mark Ackermann of St. Vincent Catholic Medical Centers will bring his unique front-line perspective to this question of universal importance on Oct. 2.
Other general sessions will bring the insights of a patient safety director (opening day keynoter Eric Knox, who'll draw from personal experience as a practicing MD as well as an insurance industry veteran); an author who compares institutional infighting to tribal warfare; and an eye-opening legislative, regulatory and case law update.
There'll be plenty of opportunities to share knowledge at Safe & Sound in Seattle, too. A chapter networking lunch on Sept. 29 will enable people who aren't members of local chapters to learn about the benefits of chapter membership. The exhibit hall will host networking breakfasts Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 and an end-of-day reception on Sept. 30. ASHRM's special interest groups, who normally confer via listserv, can gather to discuss their own particular concerns at a luncheon on Oct. 1. This also will be an opportunity for all to learn about SIGs, including the newly established patient safety officer SIG.
The annual business meeting and member appreciation luncheon on Sept. 30 will put the spotlight on ASHRM volunteers, award-winners and achievers of CPHRM, FASHRM and DFASHRM designations. Members can also hear reports on this year's successes and next year's goals from current and incoming officers.
Popular conference amenities will return. The Cyber Café will provide terminals for Internet access and the well-stocked bookstore will allow attendees to take a close look at products before they buy.
Fun is always a big part of ASHRM's annual reunion. There will be plenty of informal networking opportunities, including receptions. The Washington Healthcare Risk Management Society will host a land and sea tour of downtown Seattle on Sept. 30.
The conference is supported by companies that promote their brands through sponsorship of conference amenities, and some profile-raising sponsorship opportunities are still available. For details, contact development consultant Kate Wickham at (708) 756-7657.
ROOMS & REGISTRATION
While this year's event is earlier than usual, there is still time to reserve a room and register for "Safe & Sound in Seattle." Contact the following hotels for accommodations. Each is within walking distance of the conference site, the Washington State Convention Center in downtown Seattle:
Madison Renaissance ($186 single/double; 800-278-4159), Crowne Plaza ($172/$182 single/double; 800-521-2762), and Seattle W ($100/$219 single/double, 888-627-8552).
To register for the conference and Module II, use the form inserted with this issue of the Forum. To learn more about the conference, go to http://www.hospitalconnect.com/ashrm/annual2002/home.html.
People who register online will receive a letter informing them of their confirmation number. The letter should arrive within two weeks of the day they register online. Anyone who has not received this letter via U.S. Mail is asked to call (312) 422-3980 as soon as possible before the conference to confirm registration.
Deciphering ASHRM's designations
By Geri Amori, Ph.D., ARM, FASHRM, CPHRM
The other day, during a meeting break, a risk manager said, "I can't sit for the CPHRM exam. I haven't finished the Modules yet." Her comment was promptly followed from another corner with "Well, I haven't even done my FASHRM, so I can't take the exam."
"Whoa!" I responded. "Neither of those are prerequisites for the CPHRM!"
"They're not?" Both my colleagues chimed. "I thought they were. They're not all tied together?"
"No. They are very different." And I started to explain.
Certified Professional Healthcare Risk Manager (CPHRM)
In the development of every field as an acknowledged profession, there are stages. When there are many people who can hold the title and the job, but there is no single form of educational rite of passage, there comes a need for certification. For risk management professionals, the recognized certification is CPHRM.
The CPHRM is actually not an ASHRM designation. It is administered by an independent center, created with support from ASHRM, that tests and awards certification to professionals who have qualified through a certain commitment to the field (experience) and achieved a certain level of knowledge.
This certification means that anyone who holds the designation is "certified" to have a complete basic knowledge of all the elements of the field that most risk managers might be called upon to have in a professional health care risk management position.
So that it can be objective, the Certification Center is not part of ASHRM. There is no tie between membership in ASHRM and the ability to get certified. ASHRM doesn't know who applies for the exam, or who takes it and fails. The Certification Center does tell ASHRM about members who pass the exam, however; they are recognized in the Forum and at the annual conference.
The Certification Center has its own board of directors. Two ASHRM members appointed by the ASHRM president sit on that board to ensure that the needs of ASHRM applicants are addressed. In addition, there is a programming committee of the Certification Center. ASHRM members sit on that committee. They work with Applied Measurement Professionals on the development of the test and the monitoring of the currency of test items.
ASHRM has people who help prepare members for sitting for the exam, but they are not privy to test items from the Certification Center.
All this is in an effort to ensure that ASHRM remains an unbiased supporter of certified risk managers, but does not determine who becomes certified.
The exam sets the floor for knowledge we would expect from our professional colleagues. To those who say, "The exam is easy!": Congratulations! That means that you have acquired the knowledge we would expect of a professional risk manager working in ANY aspect of our field. To those who say, "The exam is hard!": This only shows you areas where you might want to hone your skills a bit before you take it again.
Fellow of the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management (FASHRM)
To become a Fellow in the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management, you must show commitment to the field of risk management, to the Society, and to your professional development as a leader in the field.
This is demonstrated through a variety of criteria that have been set out by the Board of ASHRM. Among the criteria is a dedication to education, which is demonstrated through academic achievement and certifications, and to continuing education. In addition, there are criteria based upon demonstrated leadership through the assumption of leadership roles and either professional speaking/teaching or writing in widely circulated professional publications.
The FASHRM is a designation of the Society. The Board awards it. It cannot be "earned" like a degree, but qualification for it can be achieved by doing the things the criteria delineate.
Distinguished Fellow of the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management (DFASHRM)
This designation is an extension of FASHRM. Instead of the minimum of five years membership in ASHRM, it requires a minimum of 10 years membership for qualification. In addition, leadership must be shown in both categories of speaking and writing in addition to leadership roles.
Barton Certificate in Healthcare Risk Management
There is much confusion about the certificate program and the certification program.
The certificate program was designed in 1990 as an ASHRM educational series to ensure that all risk managers had access to a basic, complete overview of everything that is pertinent in our field. The program is undergoing a metamorphosis, which will be completed next year (see Forum, May/June 2002, page 3).
The certificate program is designed and taught by ASHRM members. Temple University works with ASHRM to make sure the quality is consistent with college offerings.
There is no certification or designation attached to completion of the certificate program. However, all risk managers are encouraged to complete it for a current, well-rounded education in health care risk management.
The certificate program is not a pre-requisite for the CPHRM exam.
EPILOGUE
As we headed back into the meeting, my colleague smiled. "OK. I'll apply to take the CPHRM exam this week!"
I left the day smiling with anticipation. It will be fun to applaud the achievements of my friends at the annual business meeting in Seattle. I hope to applaud your achievements, too.
Geri Amori is board member, Northern New England Society for Healthcare Risk Management, and past president, American Society for Healthcare Risk Management
New CPHRMS
The Certified Professional Healthcare Risk Managers designation provides a credential based on a solid assessment that verifies a broad-based knowledge of risk management. Certification elevates professionals to elite status among peers in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Congratulations to recent CPHRM achievers:
Jerilyn B. Bing, Jonesboro, GA
Barbara Ann Connelly, Brookfield, WI
Mary Suzanne Danner, Naperville, IL
Laura B. Deane, Atlanta, GA
David C. Lawrence, Northville, MI
Nancy E. LeMarbre, Waukesha, WI
Dianne L. Perry, St. Louis, MO
Daniel E. Price, Northridge, CA
Cindy K. Shifflett, Rutherfordton, NC
Michele R. Temple, Raleigh, NC
The Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management designation is offered through the American Hospital Association Certification Center.
Please note this addition to the eligibility criteria: Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) (25 points). If you meet this requirement, please write it in on the application form before submitting it for processing.
To learn more, visit http://www.hospitalconnect.com/aha/certification/cphrm/cphrmindex.html.
Chapter News
ARIZONA
The Arizona Society for Healthcare Risk Management (AzSHRM) met on May 10 for its spring meeting. The educational program included a presentation on protecting the peer review presented by Diane Madenci of the law firm Brown & Bain and a review of three closed claims presented by Judy Avery, Maripat Burrell and Pat Winthrop, followed by a group discussion. The results of a recent membership survey were reviewed.
AzSHRM's next quarterly meeting will be held Sept. 13. Educational topics include: "Finalized Changes to HIPAA's Privacy Standards" due out in August (Paul Giancola of the law firm of Snell & Wilmer will present), "Failure Mode and Effect Analysis: A Practical Application" (presented by Ann Abke of St. Joseph's Hospital) and "Overcoming the Hurdles for Disclosure" (a videotape presentation featuring Dr. Terril Hart). For details about the program, contact Karen Wright: (888) 867-8748, kwright@mica-insurance.com.
KENTUCKY
The Kentucky Society for Healthcare Risk Management (KSHRM) will sponsor Module I Nov. 12 and 13 in Lexington, KY. Risk managers outside the KSHRM membership are encouraged to participate. For details or to register, contact Sherry Maddox: (502) 580-3864, smaddox@humana.com.
The annual business meeting and advanced risk management seminar will be held in Lexington. Topics include "Disclosure: How Will It Impact Future Malpractice Litigation?", "Current Legal Issues for Physician Practice," "Disease Management," and "Current Impact of the Insurance Market, and What Risk Managers Need To Know." Contact Sherry Maddox: smaddox@humana.com.
UTAH
The Utah Society of Health Care Risk Management will hold its quarterly meeting Sept. 6 at the newly remodeled auditorium in the Shriners Children's Hospital, Virginia Street and Fairfax in Salt Lake City. This meeting will feature Pamela L. Popp, former ASHRM board member, who will present "Disclosing Medical Errors: When Does a Patient Have a Right To Know?" This session will discuss this question from the mock jury perspective, examining how cases are mock-tried, mock jurors' beliefs about disclosure in the medical malpractice context and how jurors' beliefs affect the outcome of a medical malpractice case. For details, contact Kirstin Weixler: (801) 442-3103, cokweixl@ihc.com
VIRGINIA
The Virginia Chapter will meet Sept. 12 and 13 in Roanoke, VA, at Hotel Roanoke. The program will focus on managing risks in the operative suite and on mental health issues and access. VASHRM has hired an administrative assistant, which is expected to be a tremendous asset for the chapter officers. Susan Richardson, Manager of Educational Services for The Reciprocal Group of America, is the new chapter president. The chapter also approved a semi-annual meeting format beginning with 2003.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
The Southern California Association of Healthcare Risk Management (SCAHRM) held its 22nd annual conference in Rancho Mirage, CA, May 8-10. There were 190 attendees at the conference, which sported a number of firsts:
- The conference syllabus identified individual course presentations as to their applicability to the CPHRM certification program.
- An orientation luncheon welcomed members new to the organization. Andy Oppenberg, SCAHRM's immediate past president, presented a PowerPoint orientation to SCAHRM.
- A SCAHRM Players production titled "The Riskiest Link" game show, patterned on the format of "The Weakest Link," began with questions about ASHRM and SCAHRM history, then moved into questions on risk management. Eva Satori, her team of writers and players and moderator Deborah Shulman led this educational opportunity. Participating on the contestant panel was ASHRM President Monica Berry, who also provided a break-out session on "Accounting For Your Success: How To Win the Board and Woo the Administration."
Fay Rozovsky, past president of ASHRM, was the "kick-off" general session speaker. She also provided a break-out session on "Ethical Dilemmas." Keynote speaker Dr. Jack Singer presented "Preventing Hardening of the Attitudes in the Risk Manager," Dr. Richard Cook from the University of Chicago presented a general session on "Preventing Medical Error" and Scott Turner closed the final day with an interactive general session on "Situational Awareness."
The SCAHRM Education Committee is planning a CPHRM review program for January and coordinating the remainder of monthly education sessions for the year. Contact: Kelley Woodfin, SCAHRM Vice President/President Elect, Education Committee Chair, at kwoodfin@universalcare.com.
WISCONSIN
On Oct. 24 and 25, the Wisconsin Society for Healthcare Risk Management (WSHRM) will hold its fall program at the Stone Harbor Resort in Sturgeon Bay. "Safe Harbor in Door County" will focus on patient safety issues including workforce shortage, efforts of state and local patient safety organizations, ethics, and patient advocacy. Brochures and registration have been mailed to WSHRM members. Others who are interested should contact Jan Haedt: jhaedt@picwisconsin.com.
UPSTATE NEW YORK
The Upstate New York Society of Healthcare Risk Management (UNYSHRM) continues to offer educational and interactive presentations. At the March meeting, John J. Nance presented a program titled "Teamwork and Risk Management." An applied lessons session followed in which participants elaborated about their experiences with human error. In May, a mock trial looked at elder care liability.
A September panel discussion/roleplay titled "How To Communicate About Unexpected Outcomes and Errors" will show ways to deal with these challenging situations.
For information about UNYSHRM, contact Elaine Tucci: (518) 475-1865, elaine.tucci@cna.com.
Chapter Calendar
September 13-14
Virginia Chapter: Meeting in Charlottesville, VA. Contact Anne Wood: furgursona@drmc.drhsi.org.
September 19
Philadelphia Area Society for Healthcare Risk Management: Fall Conference on Falls. Topics include "Hospital Patient Falls: Understanding the Problem" and "JCAHO Sentinel Event Alert on Fatal Falls and Tips for Benchmarking Falls." Contact Cindy Wallace: cwallace@ecri.org.
September 28
ASHRM Chapter Leadership Development Workshop: Seattle, WA.
September 29
"Safe & Sound in Seattle," ASHRM Annual Conference and Exhibition 2002 Chapter Networking Lunch: Open to all conference attendees. Noon-1 p.m.
October 24
Philadelphia Area Society for Healthcare Risk Management: PASHRM members report on four presentations from Seattle. Contact Cindy Wallace: cwallace@ecri.org.
Send chapter news, updates and event listings to Stephen Murphy, Manager, Chapter Development and Member Services, at smurphy@aha.org.
Chapter rebate program offers big rewards
ASHRM this month announced the launch of the 2002/2003 chapter rebate program. A cash rebate is offered to chapters for each chapter member who becomes a new member of the national organization. Chapters will receive $10 for each new ASHRM member and there is no limit to the rebate offered to each chapter. More chapter members joining ASHRM means a bigger rebate for the chapter.
This program, successful in previous years, has been rejuvenated as a result of feedback from chapters.
From time to time, risk managers contacting the ASHRM office ask whether they should join the national organization or their local chapter. They are encouraged to join both! While ASHRM provides a host of benefits to risk management professionals throughout the country and internationally, chapters offer specific and unique benefits germane to the local level. Affiliated chapters of ASHRM are independently responsible for their own governance and operations. This enables chapters to tailor benefits to local risk managers with their own risk management problems and educational needs.
To help get the maximum benefit and most accurate rebate, chapters should track their members who choose to join ASHRM. When it comes time to calculate and apply for the rebate, chapters should:
- supply a list of chapter members who have become members of ASHRM, during a specified period, from which the rebate should be calculated; or
- provide a chapter membership list in Microsoft® Excel. ASHRM will then compare the chapter membership list against ASHRM members in the area to identify new ASHRM members and calculate the rebate.
The rules
The rebate program is limited to chapter members who join ASHRM after July 1, 2002 and before June 30, 2003. Only new ASHRM members will be included. If ASHRM is to calculate the rebate, the chapter must supply their membership list in a Microsoft® Excel file. Chapters may apply for the rebate on a quarterly, six-month or yearly basis only.
Once a rebate schedule is established between ASHRM and a chapter, it can only be changed at the discretion of ASHRM. The chapter rebate rate of $10 will not change in response to any changes in ASHRM membership rates. Chapters participating in the Joint Billing Project are not eligible to participate in the rebate program.
Applications for a rebate may be submitted to Stephen Murphy, Manager, Chapter Development and Member Services, at smurphy@aha.org.
Chapters can earn recognition and $
ASHRM this month announced the launch of the 2002/2003 chapter rebate program. A cash rebate is offered to chapters for each chapter member who becomes a new member of the national organization. Chapters will receive $10 for each new ASHRM member and there is no limit to the rebate offered to each chapter. More chapter members joining ASHRM means a bigger rebate for the chapter.
This program, successful in previous years, has been rejuvenated as a result of feedback from chapters.
From time to time, risk managers contacting the ASHRM office ask whether they should join the national organization or their local chapter. They are encouraged to join both! While ASHRM provides a host of benefits to risk management professionals throughout the country and internationally, chapters offer specific and unique benefits germane to the local level. Affiliated chapters of ASHRM are independently responsible for their own governance and operations. This enables chapters to tailor benefits to local risk managers with their own risk management problems and educational needs.
To help get the maximum benefit and most accurate rebate, chapters should track their members who choose to join ASHRM. When it comes time to calculate and apply for the rebate, chapters should:
- supply a list of chapter members who have become members of ASHRM, during a specified period, from which the rebate should be calculated; or
- provide a chapter membership list in Microsoft® Excel. ASHRM will then compare the chapter membership list against ASHRM members in the area to identify new ASHRM members and calculate the rebate.
The rules
The rebate program is limited to chapter members who join ASHRM after July 1, 2002 and before June 30, 2003. Only new ASHRM members will be included. If ASHRM is to calculate the rebate, the chapter must supply their membership list in a Microsoft® Excel file. Chapters may apply for the rebate on a quarterly, six-month or yearly basis only.
Once a rebate schedule is established between ASHRM and a chapter, it can only be changed at the discretion of ASHRM. The chapter rebate rate of $10 will not change in response to any changes in ASHRM membership rates. Chapters participating in the Joint Billing Project are not eligible to participate in the rebate program.
Applications for a rebate may be submitted to Stephen Murphy, Manager, Chapter Development and Member Services, at smurphy@aha.org.
Employment Opportunities
Director of risk management
Our client, a progressive 450-bed medical center in Texas, offers an outstanding opportunity to serve as risk manager. Provide program supervision and enhancement. Assist with patient safety initiatives and use of failure mode and effect analysis. Manage patient representative program. Must possess BS in Nursing or related clinical field, risk management experience within a hospital setting and CQI and statistical analysis experience. Must be familiar with recommendations from Institute of Medicine and have proven conflict management and complaints resolution skills. For more information and confidential consideration, contact: Sherie Levine (tel: 760-789-6350; e-mail: sherilevine@cox.net).
Director of risk management
Community Medical Center, an affiliate of the Saint Barnabas Health Care System, is presently seeking a Director of Risk Management to serve as an internal risk resource and as liaison with attorneys, investigators, and insurance carriers on all claims and litigation activity. Candidate will supervise the daily operations of Risk Department, establish & implement annual risk plan, manage incident report review process, track & trend data, partner with areas of high risk to develop corrective action plan, direct loss control & loss prevention activities (especially in areas of high risk), and facilitate risk-related education & training as deemed appropriate. Bachelors degree in Nursing, Allied Health Practice or other related discipline, 5-10 years experience in health care setting (preferably in clinical position), and knowledge of risk management required. 2-5 years risk and/or insurance experience, relevant advanced degree/risk related certification and previous managerial experience preferred. We offer competitive salaries, excellent growth opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, prescription plan, hospital-matched 401(k), flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, onsite child care and fitness centers and a variety of incentive programs!
Please contact Melissa Carpinello, Human Resources, Community Medical Center, 99 Highway 37 West, Toms River, NJ 08755; fax (732) 286-7066; e-mail: mcarpinello@sbhcs.com. EOE.
Risk manager
MHA Insurance Company, a leading Michigan medical malpractice insurer, seeks an experienced Health Care Risk Manager to provide quality outsourcing and consultative services to Health Care Clients. Job duties include supervision of staff and programs, onsite assessments, regulatory compliance, patient safety, education and loss control. Qualified applicants must have clinical, program development and management experience; Minimum 2 years hospital or insurance company risk management experience; Bachelor’s Degree (RN or health related) and ability to travel. Salary: $67,000+, full benefit package including family health. Send cover letter, resume, salary history and salary requirements to: Lisa Letarte, Fax: (517) 323-0973 or e-mail at jobs@mhaic.com.
How To Place Ads
Employment Opportunities ads should be limited to 100 words and must be paid in advance with a check payable to ASHRM. Mail typed copy with payment to ASHRM / American Hospital Association, One North Franklin, Chicago, IL 60606. Employers pay $100 (non-members of ASHRM or AHA pay $125). Job seekers pay $50 ($60 non-members.) Ads exceeding 100 words may be edited.
For additional employment opportunities, and to post a resume online, please visit the CareerBuilder.com link at http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobseeker/jobs/jobfindhc.asp?lr=cbaha_rm&siteid=aha_rm.
