October, 2016
In this issue:
- Panelists invited: Are non-disclosure clauses medically or legally ethical?
- Guest Perspective: Grief lessened by disclosure of medical error
- American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC) national conference, Portland, OR, April, 2017
- Spinal Epidural Abscess talk to AALNC
Panelists invited: Are non-disclosure clauses medically or legally ethical?
I will be moderating a panel discussion at the national conference of the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants in Portland, OR, on Saturday, April 8, 2017. The topic is “Medical and legal ethics of non-disclosure clauses in med mal settlements.” The goal of the discussion is to find ways to improve patient safety through greater transparency in pre-trial settlements. Panelists will include a plaintiff attorney, a defense attorney, a med mal insurance representative, a legal nurse consultant and myself. Whether you are a plaintiff or defense attorney, please contact me if you would like more information or a chance to participate.
Perspective: Disclosure important when grieving medical error
When a family is dealing with an unexpected passing that could have been prevented, grief can be challenging, especially if there are no answers, justice, or “closure.” People can become stuck in the anger and depression stages of grief and have difficulty moving forward with their lives. They are forever back to that moment in time when their loved one was inexplicably taken. Relationships with family members and friends can splinter. Some folks are able to move forward, others cannot. “Why can’t Mom just let it go?” can become fighting words. People faced with such grief want answers, accountability, and the knowledge that someone or something learned from the tragedy and are doing everything possible to make sure it never happens again — and these sad souls may never reach this place. Continue reading ->
Spinal epidural abscess
Prior to the panel discussion at the AALNC conference above, I am speaking on “Spinal epidural abscess: A diagnosis too often missed,” and attempting to narrow down the standard of care.
Society to Improve Diagnosis in Medicine (SIDM)
I will again be attending the SIDM national conference on Diagnostic Error in Medicine November 6-8, 2016. This is an amazing group of people from all sides of the issue working to improve patient safety by reducing medical error.