ization.
Despite the disadvantages, the current system is in need of reform, and numerous agencies, including government agencies, continue to debate the available alternatives. Mediation and arbitration are two widely recommended methods of tort reform. An objective third party can help advance settlements to complaints and disputes. It can also reduce or eliminate the high costs, both financial and emotional, of litigation.
Structured awards are trust funds that compensate patients during their lifetimes, while avoiding unjustified windfalls to beneficiaries. The trust funds are arranged to provide financial support for as long as the patient may need it. The investment of the funds over time helps reduce the cost of malpractice insurance and medical care.
Pre-trial screening panels can evaluate injury claims and encourage out-of-court settlements, while still allowing access to the courts. Pecuniary reforms, such as caps on jury awards and contingency fees, can help control costs. No-fault systems, peer review organizations, and risk management programs can also help ensure the quality of medical service.
For the human resources hospital director, the task of establishing employment application forms and interviewing procedures is critical. The rights of the hospital, the patients, and the prospective employee must be carefully balanced. Health care organizations must improve their hiring practices in order to better serve the interests of their patients and reduce their liabilities.
The human resources department of a health care organization is the protective gate essential to improving the quality of personnel. By implementing carefully crafted screening procedures, the organization can be assured that it is hiring the most qualified personnel and that it is setting proper standards for effective communication with its employees.
One important element for all employment applications and interviewi...