ROWAN UNIVERSITY POLICY

Title: Clinical Incident Reporting

Subject: Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (RowanSOM)

Policy No: SOM: 2015: 01

Applies: RowanSOM

Issuing Authority: President (signature)

Responsible Officer: Dean of RowanSOM

Adopted: 12/19/14

Amended:

Last Revision: 03/31/15

I.   PURPOSE

Incident information will be shared with the Rowan University Quality Committee to assist in the improvement of the quality of patient care and the environment in which the care is given; and with insurance companies as required under the contracts of insurance. Prompt reporting of adverse or unexpected events and events that are not consistent with the routine care of a patient also provides an opportunity for immediate intervention by someone able to assist patients and their families, to capture information while facts are remembered, to conduct an early investigation, to improve documentation of the event, to ensure appropriate communication, and to minimize or prevent litigation.

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A. Attachment 1, Procedure Regarding an Adverse or Unexpected Event

ATTACHMENT 1
PROCEDURE REGARDING AN ADVERSE OR UNEXPECTED EVENT

1. When an adverse or unexpected event occurs during the treatment of a patient in the inpatient or outpatient setting, the RowanSOM healthcare provider and/or administrator should promptly notify Rowan Risk Management by telephoning (856) 256-4128 or (856) 256-5742. Such events must be reported as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours following the occurrence.
   Note: If the event occurred in the Emergency Room or inpatient setting, the Hospital incident reporting policies must also be adhered to.
2. Notification to Rowan Risk Management must be objective and only the facts should be provided. No impressions, opinions, criticisms, or judgments should be made. Be prepared to provide a description of the event, including personnel involved; time, date, and place; immediate actions taken; and current status/outcomes. Personnel should bear in mind that such reports are not necessarily "privileged" or protected from "discovery" in litigation.
3. The event should not be discussed with anyone outside Rowan Risk Management except on a need-to-know basis. Decline to discuss the event if any other person should ask you about it.
4. Rowan Risk Management and/or the RowanSOM Quality Committee will determine whether an investigation will be conducted (other than within the department or via morbidity and mortality reviews).
5. Rowan Risk Management will determine whether an incident could result in a claim, and if so, will put the State of New Jersey Office of the Attorney General on notice to preserve coverage under the RowanSOM Professional Liability Program of Self-Insurance governed by the New Jersey Tort Claims Act (N.J.S.A. 59:1-1 et. seq.).