CWOCNs Are In A Unique Position to Insulate Health Care Facilities Against Liability

Pressure ulcer litigation is a growing concern in healthcare. Each year, an estimated 2.5 million pressure ulcers are treated in U.S. acute care and post acute facilities, and in home healthcare; 60,000 patients die each year as a result of pressure ulcer complications. Pressure ulcer litigation is going to become an increasingly important issue with the rise of our aging population and increasing federal government scrutiny in terms of reimbursement for hospital-acquired conditions.

CWOCNs are especially well - equipped to design and initiate policies, procedures and protocols which support healthcare facilities’ goals for quality care delivery, improved outcomes and fiscal concerns. Prevention plan implementation,  nursing process utilization, and thorough documentation are vital components in maintaining the standard of care, promoting evidence based practice and avoiding litigation.

Using examples from actual cases that have been litigated, this session will explore problems with documentation that have produced negative outcomes and provide an opportunity to learn from mistakes others have made.

Participants will learn strategies and skills in documenting for appropriate reimbursement, and developing documentation that is legally defensible.