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Healthcare Training Weekly 2/28/2003

Staff Development Weekly: Insight on Evidence-Based Practice in Education, February 28, 2003

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IN THIS ISSUE
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1. Making the grade in Illinois
2. If they don't ask, don't tell
3. Never skimp on staff
4. Pay-per-view article: Informed consent training for researchers

1. MAKING THE GRADE IN ILLINOIS

A labor-backed bill making its way through the Illinois legislature would call for hospitals to release quarterly reports on their efforts to meet a number of quality measures, including training requirements. The "Hospital Report Card Act" (SB0059) would make providers document quarterly training hours completed by category of staff and type of training. The measure would also mandate similar reports on staffing levels, retention rates, and infection rates.

The proposal already has the attention of hospital trade groups in Illinois and across the state line. Responding to the bill, the Illinois Hospital Association in January warned against imposing mandatory training and staffing standards. In neighboring Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Hospital Association used the occasion of the bill's introduction to promote its own voluntary quality standards.

Read more at the following Web sites:

-http://www.legis.state.il.us/legislation/
Enter the bill number in the search field.

-http://www.wha.org/pubarchive/valued_voice/vv1-17-03.htm

2. IF THEY DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL

You can't talk about payment issues with patients in the emergency department (ED) unless they bring them up, according to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act of 1986 (EMTALA). And whoever has that conversation with patients better have the proper training. While some things about the law have changed lately, that hasn't.

"Informing the patient about managed care authorization, obtaining signatures on advance beneficiary notices, and collecting copayments is still prohibited," the statute reads. "Fee notices and conversations about cost are likewise prohibited except when provided by a qualified staff member in response to a patient's inquiry."

"So patients have to ask, and then when they do ask, staff have to be well trained with the appropriate response," according to Loren Johnson, MD, FACEP, medical director of the ED at Sutter Davis (CA) Hospital. "[T]he triage nurse needs to be involved in that response, because part of the response is to make sure that if patients choose to voluntarily withdraw from care at this point, they need to understand the risks."

Want more advice on this tricky statute? Buy the tape of our audioconference, EMTALA Update--Regulatory Changes and New Developments, and you'll get more tips from Johnson and other EMTALA experts.

To get more information or place your order, call us at 800/650-6787, or go to http://www.hcmarketplace.com/Prod.cfm?id=1246&s=EHTW

3. NEVER SKIMP ON STAFF

Trying to operate with a skeleton crew is always a mistake. Be creative by cross-training the staff you have, using part-timers, or sending work out of house when possible, and offering flex hours that can accommodate both staff and your schedule.

Read more about how cross-training can increase the productivity of your staff in the October 2000 issue of The Doctor's Office. To order your copy or get more information, call us at 800/650-6787, or go to http://www.hcpro.com/onlinepubs/article.cfm?article=31689

Make sure to inquire about a subscription, which would give you free access to back issues.

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