Truth can be stranger than fiction. Several years ago, a New Yorker sued the City for two undecillion dollars ---more money than actually exists on the planet—after he was nipped by a dog on a city bus. Yes, it was more than just the bite that upset him. His photo was taken without his permission during treatment. Waiting for the punchline? There is none, but the anecdote reveals that litigation is not always anticipated, warranted or rational. Sometimes a seemingly innocuous event can snowball into the unimaginable.
According to Basha Rubin, Forbes Contributing Editor, statistics show that between 36%-53% of small businesses are involved in at least one litigation in any given year. While you may not be able to prevent legal action against your practice or hospital, it is possible to minimize the risk of being sued.
As managers, we are on the front lines making sure employers appropriately follow employment laws and overseeing communications with clients, colleagues and employees. Managers must have an awareness of the essential employment law concepts and an understanding of the legal risks related to communication in the practice.
This year’s VHMA Annual Meeting and Conference will hit the ground running even before the official meeting begins. The pre-conference Legal Symposium will deliver legal insights into the issues managers address daily---communication and employment law. The symposium kicks-off Wednesday, October 17. Packed into this one-day workshop are new insights and in-depth information about the legal ramification of communication and employment law issues. If you haven’t yet registered, reserve your spot today.
As our members have come to expect, the Annual Meeting agenda is filled with cutting-edge topics and best practices information that managers need to thrive. But the conference also offers attendees the opportunity to renew friendships, share information, celebrate their colleagues’ accomplishments, offer guidance and support to new members and reinforce their commitment to the VHMA Life.
Our lives, both personal and professional, are hectic. I look forward to the annual meeting because as I meet with colleagues, get to know new members and hear first-hand about the innovations and advances being introduced by our members, I have great confidence in the future of the profession and feel privileged to be a part of VHMA and committed to the VHMA Life.
I hope to see you in Baltimore in October!
Jim Nash, MHA, CVPM
VHMA President