December 01, 2024, South Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report
The Rising Threat of Nuclear Verdicts in Medical Malpractice: A Call for Tort Reform
Dr. Patricia Ares-Romero discusses the increasing trend of "nuclear verdicts"—jury awards exceeding $10 million—in medical malpractice cases. She highlights insights from Bob White, President of The Doctors Company and TDC Group, noting that from 2013 to 2023, these verdicts surged by 67%, with the average award among the top 50 malpractice verdicts rising from $32 million in 2022 to $48 million in 2023.
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Healthcare’s Transformation
Richard E. Anderson, MD, FACP, chairman and CEO of The Doctors Company, discusses some of the most pressing issues facing providers today, including rising healthcare spending and hospital mergers.
Effective Obstetrical Team Communication
Effective communication requires a team effort for the exchange of concise and relevant information.
Video Feb 10, 2026
Midwives: Consent, Documentation, and Practice Scope
In today’s high-pressure clinical environments, team turnover is common. Without clear communication about roles and responsibilities, misunderstandings can quickly escalate into formal complaints instead of productive dialogue.
Jun 05, 2023
Driving Positive Outcomes in the Professional Liability Advocacy Arena
It is imperative for healthcare practitioners to weigh in on legislative matters involving healthcare provision and access. These expert tips can help you engage with policymakers and communicate effectively.
From
The Doctor’s Advocate
Jun 05, 2023
Industry and Company News Second Quarter 2023
Announcements in the second quarter of 2023 include our 2023 member dividend and a new study on the effects of social inflation.
From
The Doctor’s Advocate
How CRNAs Can Mitigate Negligence Risks
Many certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) worry about what will happen if they are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB), but because the reporting process and its implications are often misunderstood, some of these worries may be unfounded. Understanding more about the NPDB can allay CRNAs’ potential concerns about their professional prospects.
Professional Education
Loss Lessons: Practicing Out of Bounds
Unlicensed staff are vital to efficient patient flow in medical practice. Healthcare organizations have many tasks that are safely and effectively carried out by skilled unlicensed support staff every day. To reach such efficiencies with safety and reliability, careful attention must be given to scope of practice and state and local statutes regarding delegation and supervision. Policies and protocols that outline the scope of practice for unlicensed staff to follow independently, and when they must consult with licensed staff, help even the most talented of your staff understand their boundaries. This case illustrates how informal verbal guidelines can blur the lines and cause well-meaning staff to cross the boundary lines of their scope leading to misdiagnosis and death.
Government Relations Advocacy Updates
Each issue of the Government Relations Advocacy Update provides insights into legislative and judicial actions that impact medical liability and the practice of medicine. We are committed to providing an enduring national platform for advocacy for healthcare.
Jun 18, 2024
Artificial Intelligence: Emerging Issues in Healthcare and Insurance Public Policy
As AI becomes more integrated into healthcare, matters relating to professional liability remain unsettled.
From
The Doctor’s Advocate