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Proposed Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct Comment Form (Referenced in the Newsletter)
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Conference Dramatizes Members' Dedication
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"We have a guest amongst us." With that announcement from Monica Berry, FASHRM, President-Elect of the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management (ASHRM), all eyes in the convention center ballroom turned to the back. A spotlight followed a white bonnet-topped woman as she slowly but surely made her way up the aisle to the podium.
"I am Abigail Adams," the guest intoned with unmistakable Yankee clarity. "I understand you are going through a period of upheaval...."
This dramatic entrance set the scene for the 21st Annual ASHRM Conference & Exhibition, held Oct. 29-Nov. 1 in Boston. With the theme "Revolutionary Ideas In Risk Management," ASHRM President Geri Amori's portrayal of the wife of the nation's second president (and mother of the sixth) at the opening program resonated perfectly.
Pointing to parallels between her troubled - but ultimately triumphant - era and ours, Abigail/Geri told her audience: "I urge you to stalwart action.... My descendants are depending upon you... and so are yours."
If the conference is an indication, the outlook for healthcare risk management is promising. The annual networking and educational event was a great success by all measures. Conference attendance and exhibitor participation exceeded expectations that had been clouded by world events.
"We are very pleased," ASHRM Executive Director Elizabeth Summy said later. "The success was due in large part to the dedication of our members who attended. Of course, we're sorry some members weren't able to come and network, and to learn and have fun with their peers."
In keeping with ASHRM's commitment to meet members' immediate needs, the conference's networking luncheon accommodated a timely addition. James Bentley, American Hospital Association's Senior Vice President for Long Term Policy, addressed a packed ballroom on "Upgrading Disaster Readiness." He talked about hospitals' growing role as "safe havens" in "our riskier time" and assured the audience that the AHA continues to keep the requirements of hospitals in the minds of leaders in Washington.
At the New Attendees Breakfast, Diversity Task Force Chair Anita Massengale stood and exhorted everyone to "seek out, meet and learn from different people." Certainly, with attendees arriving from coast to coast and as far away as Australia - and with the various backgrounds that compose the risk management community - there were ample opportunities to do just that.
The keynote and general sessions appealed to the diversity with compelling presentations.
- Opening keynote speaker James Conway, Chief Operating Office of Boston's Dana Farber Cancer Institute, looked principally at the people "at the sharp end of a critical incident." His presentation, "Creating a Culture of Safety," highlighted the central role of Risk Managers in creating a partnership between the healthcare provider and patients and their families. "Patients make great contributions to improving our knowledge," he said, which can be vital in root cause analyses.
- The SCAHRM Players, a troupe of actors organized by the Southern California Chapter, further dramatized the need for this partnership. In an improvised playlet, the common hospital realities of Licensed Independent Practitioners and a lack of disclosure readiness complicate matters after an accident at a fictional hospital. The stormy situation brought chuckles of recognition from the audience, and in a post-show discussion, few hands were raised to the question: "Does your hospital offer any training on disclosure readiness?"
- The marquee keynoter was Anna Quindlen, whose best seller A Short Guide to a Happy Life also flew off the shelves of the on-site ASHRM Bookstore. After congratulating ASHRM on going forward with its conference, she advised, "Live life as if each day is your last, because it might be. I suppose that's what we've all learned [since Sept. 11].... Time can't be wasted; dreams can't be delayed." She also characterized the personal commitment to success as the "ultimate risk management."
- The case law update, a perennial conference favorite, this year made its smashing debut as a general session. Co-presenters John West, DFASHRM, of AIG Consulting and Mark Kadzielski of the law firm Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer and Feld provided an overview of recent moves affecting risk management. They discussed whether the change in name from Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) signaled a change in culture (evidently not), and suggested that legislative changes would continue to be slow in coming while regulatory changes would generally arrive more quickly. They deftly mixed droll humor (referring to CMS as "See a Mess") with practical information (even if HIPAA privacy rules are delayed due to the government's own inability to meet them, it's important to complete the review of all contracts - including those involving temporary employees - to ensure compliance readiness).
- Leonard Marcus, Director of the Program for Healthcare Negotiation and Conflict Resolution at the Harvard School of Public Health, characterized the search for solutions as "A Walk in the Woods" - a mutual journey to collaborative problem-solving through negotiation. The key is to engage everyone in the process, he said. He suggested this outlook in a dispute: "It wasn't that I was defeated, it was that I learned something."
- Consumers' expectations for medical treatment as compared to clinical practice were dynamically covered by journalist Michael Millenson. Based on his book Demanding Medical Excellence: Doctors and Accountability in the Information Age, Millenson earned cheers when he declared that Risk Managers "deserve a higher profile and more respect." He applauded his audience for "working with evidence-based and best-practice based medicine....[Do not] give up control of your work to politicians, lawyers and reporters."
Echoing Millenson's call to action, ASHRM President Geri Amori brought the conference to a close, urging ASHRM members to continue to develop revolutionary ideas in healthcare risk management.
Presentations of James Conway, Leonard Marcus, John West and Mark Kadzielski are available on the Education/Conference section of www.ashrm.org. Other materials, including conference proceedings on CD-ROM and audio and video tapes of conference sessions, are available for purchase are available at www.ahaonlinestore.org/default.asp?PcatID=25.
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Business Meeting Caps a Trying Yet Successful Year
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The annual business meeting of ASHRM typically is an opportunity to acknowledge and express appreciation for the work of its volunteers and staff. This year during the conference & exhibition in Boston, the expression was particularly heartfelt.
"I personally admire your effort," said Geri Amori, ARM, CPHRM, FASHRM, President of ASHRM, in opening the meeting held Oct. 30. From the Sheraton Boston ballroom stage, Geri recognized the "amazing courage shown by healthcare professionals" in the wake of terrorist attacks. "Their ability to perform when all around them was in turmoil gives us hope and strength and a sense of community that will carry us through these times of uncertainty."
Indeed, the exemplary work of ASHRM volunteers has kept the association strong, Geri noted. She announced the winner of the Distinguished Service Award Winner: John C. West, Senior Healthcare Consultant with AIG. John is a longtime ASHRM member and committee member and a former board member. Currently, he contributes the regular "Case Law Update" feature to the Journal of Healthcare Risk Management.
Also recognized were 266 individuals who were newly credentialed with Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management certifications in 2001; 11 members were designated as Fellows and four were designated Distinguished Fellows.
The Journal Excellence Award was given to Kathleen Rice Simpson for her Winter 2001 issue article on fetal oxygen saturation. Petra Berger and Mary Ann Gillespey won the Research Award for their work on emergency department risk reduction using ISO 9000.
Martha "Duffy" Newman, Director of Fellowships, Health Forum/American Hospital Association, spoke about the Patient Safety Leadership Fellowship Program established in 2001 in partnership with ASHRM, the American Organization of Nurse Executives and the Health Research and Educational Trust. The 18-month fellowship provides risk managers and others with the tools needed to develop and implement strategies and practices to improve patient safety. "The program is designed to cultivate the next generation of healthcare professionals," Duffy explained. For details, call (415) 248-8405.
The President's Report highlighted progress and new initiatives:
- New Approaches for a New Millennium: Revised board and committee structures, provided leadership orientation, began chat room sessions at www.ashrm.org and put conference proceedings on convenient CD format.
- Legislative and Advocacy: Responded to National Patient Safety Foundation's statement of disclosure, commented to Health & Human Services on HIPAA and to the National Quality Forum's call for public disclosure of "never" events (events that should never occur in hospitals), provided expertise to the AHA on issues including worker shortage and access to care and coverage, and participated in the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Summit on Patient Safety.
- JCAHO Collaboration: Worked with the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations by providing a white paper on "Disclosure of Unanticipated Events" written by Fay Rozovsky, JD, MPH, DFASHRM, with input from ASHRM members, helped create a revision of Hospital Standards, commented on proposed Workplace Standards and the redesign of Patient Safety Management Profile, and participated in advisory committees.
- Education: Hosted audio and video conferences (including a series on disaster preparedness), processed 624 professional education Modules participants, reviewed the Modules in light of recent legislation, and provided input for the coming AHA Web portal.
- Membership and Chapter Relations: Welcomed new chapters in Israel and Brazil (bringing the total number to 48) and initiated a new push for cultural diversity.
Other announcements from Geri included:
- Marsh USA, Inc., has given a grant to ASHRM to help support disaster preparedness programs.
- The new 2nd Edition of the CPHRM Study Guide, new "Pearls" on medication error reduction, and Journal of Healthcare Risk Management special "patient safety" Fall 2001 issue have arrived and are available for purchase via www.ahaonlinestore.org/default.asp?PcatID=25.
- Finishing touches are being made on two new toolkits: confidentiality and physician office risk management.
- Membership reached a new height: 4,350 in 2001
- ASHRM's new Vision ("Safe and Trusted Healthcare") and Mission Statement ("To advance safe and trusted patient-centered healthcare by promoting proactive and innovative healthcare risk management") were unveiled.
Now, some words for our sponsors …
The Boston 2001 Conference & Exhibition was made possible with the support of generous sponsors who appreciate the value of the ASHRM audience. Thanks to;
- AON Healthcare Alliance
- Chubb Executive Risk
- Farmers Insurance Group
- Willis Healthcare Practice
- St. Paul Medical Services
- Seif & Associates
- American International Group
- Marsh USA, Inc.
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Chapter Recognition Awards Illustrate Important Role
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Poster presentations provided a vivid illustration of the achievements of ASHRM's affiliated chapters during the annual Conference & Exhibition, Oct. 29-Nov. 1 in Boston.
Chapters participating in this year's chapter recognition program had been invited to submit an abstract about a chapter achievement, display a poster, and offer a 5-minute oral presentation in pursuit of the recognition award.
"What we see at the conference is only a portion of the hard work and long hours put into this program by participating chapters," said ASHRM President Geri Amori, ARM, CPHRM, FASHRM, Oct. 30 at the annual business meeting. "Although we can only award four prizes, I hope we have duly recognized the quintessentially important role that our chapters play, in both the development of the risk management profession and in the ASHRM community."
In the four categories of membership size, the outstanding achievers and their projects announced at the meeting were:
Less than 50 members
Associação Brasileira de Administração dos Riscos na Saúde: "ABARS, Making a Difference in Risk Management in Brazil"
51-150 members
Idaho Association of Healthcare Risk Managers: "Utilization of Teleconferencing for Chapter Meetings"
151-250 members
Pennsylvania Association of Health Care Risk Management: "Patient Safety Program"
More than 250 members
Southern California Society for Healthcare Risk Management: "Risk Management Education Enhancement Project"
In addition, the Australian Society for Healthcare Risk Management, Wisconsin Society for Healthcare Risk Management, Greater Houston Society for Healthcare Risk Management, and Washington Health Care Risk Management Society were awarded certificates of participation. They were commended for their successes this year.
The ASHRM Chapter Relations Task Force is chaired by Lee Budd, RN, Clinical Risk Manager, Care Alliance Health Services, Charleston, S.C. Task Force members are Margaret Hambleton, CPHRM, Regional Director, Corporate Compliance and Risk Management, Catholic Healthcare West, Pasadena, Calif.; Vivian Miller, Director of Quality Management, Bon Secours Baltimore Health System, Baltimore, Md.; and Curtis Nolen, MPA, FASHRM, Director, Risk Management, Christus Santa Rosa, San Antonio, Texas. The Past Presidents' Council judged the program.
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Chapter Leadership Workshop Provides Insight
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Chapter officers from throughout the ASHRM community gathered Oct. 28 at the Boston Sheraton before the annual Conference & Exhibition for the Chapter Leadership Development Workshop.
The workshop, developed by the Chapter Relations Task Force, provided insightful experience and knowledge on chapter management while offering an opportunity for chapter leaders to network. In opening remarks, ASHRM President-Elect Monica Berry, JD, DFASHRM, emphasized the fundamental role the chapter community plays in the development of the field.
A presentation on finance issues for the chapter officer, drawn on the successful experiences of their own chapters, was offered by Margaret Hambleton, CPHRM, Regional Director, Corporate Compliance and Risk Management, Catholic Healthcare West, Pasadena, Calif., President of the Southern California Association for Healthcare Risk Management (SCAHRM), and Andrew Oppenberg, MPH, CPHRM, Asclepius Healthcare Consultants, Porter Ranch, Calif., Immediate Past President of SCAHRM.
John C. West, JD, MHA, DFASHRM, Senior Healthcare Consultant, AIG, talked about legal issues for the chapter leader. Both presentations are available in the Chapters section of the ASHRM Web site.
Download sessions on chapter finances and legal issues at www.ashrm.org/asp/aboutus/chapterworkshop.asp.
MINNESOTA
The Minnesota Society for Healthcare Risk Management scheduled its annual meeting and breakfast for Thursday, Dec. 13, from 8 a.m.-noon at the Four Points Sheraton in Minneapolis. Volunteers who attended ASHRM's annual Conference & Exhibition in Boston were asked to share information on the sessions that they attended.
Contact: Marie Nasseff, (651) 232-5113 or mnasseff@healtheast.org.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
The Web site of the Southern California Association for Healthcare Risk Management (SCAHRM) is up and running. Members can access current information on position openings, RSVP for monthly educational meetings, find information on educational conferences, and more at www.scahrm.org. The site is professionally designed to be user friendly and inviting.
In keeping with the chapter's mission of promoting collaboration and interchange among risk management professionals, the board of directors voted to increase by over 50 percent the budget for scholarships and educational programs. To date, SCAHRM has sponsored eight full scholarships to the chapter's annual conference and six full scholarships to the ASHRM annual conference. The board showed its interest in making the monthly educational meetings affordable by subsidizing part of each member's cost for attendance.
At the September meeting, the program about risk considerations of human subject protection programs was led by Suzanne Rivera, MSW. In October, Captains Tom McDougle and Kimberly Holloway offered a program on "error management" which explored ways to achieve medical safety through adaptation of the airline industry's successful use of human factor skills.
At ASHRM's annual Conference & Exhibition in Boston, the SCAHRM Players presented "Anatomy of an Adverse Event." SCAHRM has shared the docu-drama with the Hawaii chapter, which plans to produce it for its next annual conference.
Contact: Andrew Oppenberg, (818) 832-9903.
WASHINGTON
The Washington Health Care Risk Management Society (WHCRMS) board of directors has been working on several issues. Its members have expressed concern about new JCAHO accreditation standards requiring disclosure of unanticipated outcomes. WHCRMS also receives calls from members concerned about dealing with surveyors from regulatory bodies.
The chapter provides its members with tools, resources and educational opportunities to navigate through these and other minefields. As part of that initiative, the board in June hosted the ASHRM satellite conference "Disclosure of Medical Errors: Demonstrated Strategy to Enhance Communication." Also, the chapter's Sept. 21 meeting dealt with disclosure of unanticipated outcomes.
In response to the concerns over recently implemented JCAHO standards, the Education Committee recently assembled a panel of risk managers to discuss developing and implementing a disclosure policy and procedure. Arrangements are being made for a telephone conference to a site in Spokane to connect with members in eastern Washington. Details are available at www.whcrms.com.
To facilitate information-sharing and networking among colleagues in the Pacific Northwest, WHCRMS has entered into a reciprocity agreement with the Oregon Society for Health Care Risk Management (OSHRM). WHCRMS members can attend the OSHRM meetings at their membership rates, while OSHRM members can attend meetings in Washington at WHCRMS membership rates.
Finally, as host for the 2002 ASHRM Annual Conference & Exhibition in Seattle, the chapter has formed a committee to coordinate details with ASHRM.
Contact: Rebecca Repp, ARM, WHCRMS President, (206) 343-6501, or becky@phyins.com.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Revival of the Washington, D.C., Chapter is progressing. On Nov. 16, Children's National Medical Center hosted a program titled "Blame-Free Error Reporting: Finding the Balance Between a Culture of Reporting and Provider Accountability."
Chapter organizer Mary Anne Hilliard, Risk and Liability Counsel at Children's National Medical Center, reports that the event was well attended. The next tasks for DC ASHRM organizers are to work on bylaws and elect officers.
Contact: Mary Anne Hilliard, (202) 884-4550.
Submit Chapter News to:
Stephen Murphy, Manager, Chapter Development and Member Services
(312) 422-3988; fax (312) 422-4580; smurphy@aha.org
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Modules Program Named in Honor of Ellen Barton
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As a past president of ASHRM and tireless contributor to the society's international reputation for professional excellence, Ellen Barton has steered the development of important initiatives. None bears her signature more plainly than the Modules education program, which was established in 1991. In recognition of that fact, the Board unanimously acted to name it the "Barton Certificate in Healthcare Risk Management Program."
ASHRM President Geri Amori announced the honor at the annual business meeting, held Oct. 30 in Boston.
"Whatever we are today is because of what those who came before us did," Barton said, sharing credit for the Modules' success with ASHRM staff and volunteers. "I am humbled and honored and I intend to continue with our work!"
Here are some FAQs about the Modules program.
Modules FAQs
What are the Modules?
Modules I-V of the Barton Certificate in Healthcare Risk Management Program are a series of basic risk management educational programs that provide risk managers with a complete overview of the field of healthcare risk management. Upon completion of the five-part series, participants will have practical tools to perform the daily job functions of healthcare risk management.
The Modules are a good way for anyone who is new to the field of healthcare risk management to obtain the necessary skills to perform their job or for seasoned risk managers to refresh or add skills that they do not use on a regular basis.
What is the difference between the Certificate in Healthcare Risk Management and the Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM)?
Upon completion of the Modules series, participants receive a certificate of completion. This certificate demonstrates that participants have attended Modules I-V (may include a Module I waiver) covering the entire scope of healthcare risk management skills that are presented in the program.
The Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM) is a professional designation that is awarded based on participants meeting eligibility requirements and passing an examination. For more details about the CPHRM designation, download the CPHRM Candidate Handbook in the AHA Certification Center at http://www.aha.org/Certification/CrIndex.asp.
Is completion of the Modules required to obtain the CPHRM designation?
While completion of the Modules is one choice of criteria that can be applied towards eligibility for the CPHRM examination, Modules completion is not a requirement for the CPHRM designation. However, participants have commented that much of the content within the Modules series helps them prepare for the CPHRM examination.
When will the next series of Modules be offered?
The schedule for the 2002 Modules series is as follows:
Chicago
April 27-28 - Module III, April 29-30 - Module IV, May 1-2 - Module V
Nashville
June 8-9 - Module I, June 10-11 - Module II, June 12-13 - Module IV
Seattle
September 27-28 - Module II
What is the cost of the Modules?
The cost for each Module is as follows:
ASHRM Members: Early bird: $425, Regular: $475
Non-Members: Early bird: $525, Regular: $575
Early Bird Cut-off
Chicago - March 29
Nashville - May 10
Seattle - TBA
May I register for the Modules online?
Participants soon will be able to register for the Modules online through the ASHRM Web site.
When I attend the Modules, will I get a special room rate?
ASHRM has negotiated with the hotels for a special room rate within a defined period of time. In order to receive the special rate, participants must identify themselves as members of ASHRM or mention the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management.
Hotel Room Cut-off
Chicago - April 4
Nashville - May 17
Seattle - TBA
For more information about the Barton Certificate in Healthcare Risk Management Program, and to see the faculty list, visit the Education section of www.ashrm.org
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Congratulations to New CPHRMs
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Allyn T. Whaley Baton Rouge LA
Benjamin Adam Atkins Tampa FL
Carroll W. Montalva Temple TX
Constance A. Arden Magnolia TX
Dawer A. Azizi Kenner LA
Diane M. Robinson Yuma AZ
Donna J. Pimsner Tempe AZ
Donna K. Gershner North Little Rock AR
Douglas J. Borg Durham NC
Ellen F. Wodika Evanston IL
Jeanne Elizabeth Chester VA
Kimberly J. Robinson Alexandria VA
Pamela Monastero Brooklyn NY
Pamela S. Wilson Stow MA
Patricia R. Sautel Culpeper VA
Robert B. Farr Albany GA
Roberta L. Carroll San Francisco CA
Sharon R. McNamara Dover NH
CAPITALIZE ON RISK MANAGEMENT CONTACTS
Seek individuals with relationship(s) within healthcare system and/or medical/dental liability insurance companies to help promote publications with self-study category 1 CME/CDE program applicable to the following: Multi-specialty practice, Surgery, Ob/Gyn, Emergency Department Primary Care (including Pediatrics), Radiology (including Pathology and Oncology), and Dentistry. Contact Gary Zarin at Zarin's Professional Liability Publications. Phone: (973) 376-9454, fax: (973) 376-1775, e-mail: gary@zarins.com, www.zarins.com
RISK MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT
New York & Chicago
CNA is one of the world's premier insurance organizations, ranking among the top U.S. insurance companies. We are currently seeking two Risk Management Consultants with 3+ years experience in the healthcare risk management field. Positions will be located in our downtown New York City office and in our downtown Chicago office. Degree in business or healthcare-related field required, master's preferred.
The successful candidate will conduct risk analysis to support the underwriting risk selection and retention processes and provide consultative and education services to a variety of healthcare clients. Experience in the long-term care industry a plus. Extensive travel is required.
Join in the success of an innovative industry leader and discover the excellent compensation and benefits package we offer. For immediate consideration, please forward your resume to: CNA Human Resources, Kim E., 1100 Cornwall Road, P.O. Box 904, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852, fax: (732) 398-5076. CNA is an EOE M/F/D/V committed to a diverse workplace. For more information on positions at CNA, visit our Web site at www.cna.com
DIRECTOR, RISK MANAGEMENT/PATIENT RELATIONS
Fresno, CA
At Saint Agnes Medical Center, located in Fresno, CA, our entire organization is focused on the people and the quality services they provide to our patients, their families and the community.
Our Medical Center is recognized for our low-risk track record. We seek a legal-minded individual who will continue our tradition by developing and implementing innovative programs that reduce risk and ensure quality healthcare for our community.
Send your resume to our People Center via email: terry.foushee@samc.com or fax: (559) 449-3735. EOE
DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE RISK MANAGEMENT
NYSE company is seeking a dynamic leader to assume management of the risk management program. The Company has multiple locations, approximately $2 billion in revenues and over 20,000 employees. The director will be responsible for property, professional and general liability, as well as workers' compensation insurance. Candidates should possess a minimum of 5-7 years experience. An advanced degree and a successful track record of progressive achievement are also required. Interested parties should contact our Executive Recruiter, e-mail: hcrsherr@aol.com, fax: (561) 793-3981. EOE
How To Place an Ad
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 Joy Roney, ASHRM / American Hospital Association, One North Franklin, Chicago, IL 60606. Employers pay $80 ($100 non-members of ASHRM or AHA). Job seekers pay $50 ($60 non-members.)
Questions? Call Joy Roney at (312) 422-3985 or e-mail: jroney@aha.org.
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Special Journal Focuses on Patient Safety, Provides Valuable Guidance
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Patient safety is addressed in the Fall 2001 issue of the Journal for Healthcare Risk Management.
Titled "Approaches to Patient Safety: The Risk Management Perspective," the special issue devotes 84 pages to critical patient safety topics, such as the risk manager's role in the following:
- Meeting the challenges of patient safety through the design of a new risk management process;
- Creating an organizational patient safety strategy;
- Disclosing medical errors; and
- Producing an unanticipated outcome disclosure policy.
"This Journal for Healthcare Risk Management is an excellent resource for both ideas to implement immediately as well as strategies to develop over the long term," said Geri Amori, President of ASHRM.
The issue was edited by Grena G. Porto, RN, MS, CPHRM, DFASHRM, and Senior Director of Clinical Consulting, VHA, Inc. "We are especially grateful for Grena's work on this major project," Geri added.
Several articles contributed by ASHRM members describe their institutions' successes in developing non-punitive cultures, teamwork training, and community report cards on clinical outcomes.
Common fallacies clouding attitudes and practices on patient safety are tackled, as well. For example:
- Fallacy: Patients don't really want to know about errors in their care
- Fact: Patients have always wanted to know the truth about their medication and care, even including disclosure and explanation of minor errors.
Individual copies of "Approaches to Patient Safety, the Risk Management Perspective" are available for $25.
To order, call toll free: 800-AHA-2626 or visit the Risk Management section at www.ahaonlinestore.com/ProductDisplay.asp?ProductID=619&cartID=160089&PCatID=25.
Catalog number 178556.
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Revised Code of Ethics Open to Comment
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An important addendum is included with this edition of the Forum: the revised ASHRM Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct, which is ready for member review.
Two major changes from the previous code should be noted. First, the document formerly was known as the Code of Conduct. The new name reflects a new view of professional responsibility.
Also, the Code is reorganized. It's divided into three categories:
- the Healthcare Risk Management Professional's responsibility to the profession,
- responsibility to those the profession serves, and
- conflict of interest.
In crafting this revision the Ethics Committee researched and reviewed codes from related professions. Now, please take the time to review the Code carefully. It is designed to establish a standard of behavior that we expect for ourselves as professionals, and that we expect from our colleagues.
Send comments to ashrm@aha.org, so that the revised Code can be adopted as soon as possible, comments are requested by Jan. 14. The Proposed Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct Comment Form is available as a downloadable Word document.
ASHRM Forum
ASHRM Forum is the bimonthly bulletin of news and resources published by the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management of the American Hospital Association for ASHRM members and affiliated chapters. With editorial inquiries, please contact Joe Pixler at (312) 422-3987; jpixler@aha.org
© Copyright 2001 by the American Hospital Association.
All rights reserved.
Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct
Preamble
The American Society for Healthcare Risk Management (ASHRM) issues this Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct to assist its members in determining ethically appropriate professional conduct and to recognize conduct which does not meet this standard.
While there are diverse professional disciplines represented by the membership of ASHRM, at the heart of each is the responsibility to serve the public trust in the delivery of healthcare. The Healthcare Risk Management Professional must work to safeguard and foster the rights, interests, and prerogatives of patients or others served. The Healthcare Risk Management professional must maintain standards of professional conduct that will serve to withstand the scrutiny of all constituencies served.
The Responsibility to the Profession
- Practicing the profession with honesty, fairness, integrity, respect and good faith, avoiding conduct which would result in harm to others and promoting conduct which reflects well on the profession;
- Identifying, acknowledging, and disclosing potential conflict of interest;
- Complying with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and accrediting standards that impact the delivery of healthcare;
- Conducting oneself as a leader in professional behavior that will merit the trust, confidence, and respect of patients, healthcare professionals and the general public;
- Maintaining and improving professional skills, knowledge and competence;
- Advancing professional standards by supporting risk management research for the evolution of best practices;
- Participating in activities that support and enhance the credibility and dignity of the healthcare risk management profession;
- Maintaining and respecting professional confidences;
- Upholding the mission of the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management; and
- Upholding the integrity of this Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct by agreeing to abide by all rules of conduct prescribed by this Code and by ASHRM's Bylaws.
The Responsibility to Those We Serve
The fundamental objectives of the Healthcare Risk Management Professional are to enhance the overall quality of life, dignity, safety, and well being of every individual needing healthcare services. The Healthcare Risk Management Professional will support these objectives by:
- Respecting the dignity of all individuals by practicing in a non-discriminatory manner;
- Promoting an environment that supports a non-punitive approach to systems improvement;
Responsibility to Those We Serve
- Investigating event factors with due diligence so that steps can be taken to reduce the likelihood of similar injury to other patients and to protect the next patient;
- Communicating and disclosing information to patients and, when appropriate, others, honestly and factually;
- Advising employing organizations and/or colleagues when existing policies, procedures or behaviors are inconsistent with this Code;
- Advocating on behalf of patients' rights;
- Using our knowledge and position in ways that enhance fair and honest communication, avoid manipulation, and not take undo advantage of those with whom we have professional interactions other than patients;
- Respecting that patients and their families are equal partners in the healthcare delivery process and entitled to fair, respectful, and equitable treatment and should not be taken advantage of; and
- Disclosing confidential information only when such disclosure is appropriately authorized or when law requires such disclosure.
Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest exists when the Healthcare Risk Management Professional is called upon to serve competing interests. Some conflicts of interest, such as transactions with a former employer or dealings with past business associates, may be acceptable as long as disclosure of the conflict is made to all involved parties. Other conflicts, such as business transactions which inure to benefit of the Healthcare Risk Management Professional or his/her family members at the expense of others, are unacceptable even if disclosure to all involved parties is made. In order to avoid conflict of interest, the Healthcare Risk Management Professional must:
- Exercise good faith in all transactions;
- Avoid any interests, investments or activities which conflict or appear to conflict with the interests of the employer or client;
- Make full disclosure of all facts of any transaction which involves the possible conflict of interest to all parties involved; and
- Avoid accepting gifts or other considerations, which might influence the Healthcare Risk Management Professional's judgment.
