Discussion 1: The Importance of Understanding the Law for Health Administrators

profileshasha4
MHM522responses1.docx

Demario Stackhouse

scope of responsibility varies depending on the level of healthcare facility you are managing and the state you are located in. The typical responsibilities of a healthcare administrator include but are not limited to, controlling finances, supply ordering, personnel oversight and training as well as many other numerous tasks that need to be completed for successful operations. The administrator in most cases run the entire facility. Possessing the keen ability to read and understand the various types of law, is paramount in the success of your role, as these laws dictate the daily operations. Additionally, some of these laws are established to protect the patient's rights. Knowing the rights of those we serve is an essential element as well. Some of the existing laws include the "Privacy Act of 1974", "Alcohol- and Drug-Abuse Patient Confidentiality", and "Conditions for Coverage of Specialized Services by Suppliers". It is imperative to know that there are many laws that protect patients, providers and employees. This knowledge is crucial in the longetivity of a healthcare facility. As the administrator, it is your responsibility to ensure your organization is in compliance with said laws. 

(n.d). Exploring Careers in Healthcare Management. Retrieved from http://www.healthcareadministration.com/what-are-the-responsibilities-for-healthcare-administrators/.

(2017). Important Laws and Regulations in Health Informatics. Retrieved from https://www.usfhealthonline.com/resources/healthcare/important-laws-and-regulations-in-health-informatics/

Elizabeth Lowe posted

Any institution either privately owned or under the ownership on the state must have to define statements which control its segments. These statements which guide the operation of the entity make up the laws which are vital for the object to pursue its set objective effectively. The need for a health care administrator to have full consent of the various laws acts as a critical engine that steers the health care entity to reach its set objective. In any organization, the managerial staff should come up with a strategic plan which has the focus of improving the processes which the organization oversees. The need to have a full understanding of these laws governing the health institution will thereby help the administrators to have a refined focus on the goal they should purpose to achieve (Brock et al., 2012).

Understanding the laws as well makes the administrators to have a clear vision on the decision making process. The realization of the sustainable development goals they should work towards achieving it finds its accommodation on the laws that abide these administrators. Full consent on what the law organ contains that pertains to the healthcare entity will make the administrators to make rational decisions which will enhance the wellbeing of the health entity (Brock et al 2012).

The formulation of policies has a direct linkage to the law which governs a specific organization. The systems act as the core figures which give the direction to be followed while the laws confine the actors in the entity to work towards that set direction (Brock et al 2012). The formulation of these policies, therefore, heavily depends on the set law. The need to understand the law, thus, guides the healthcare administrators to formulate strategies. The set policies, therefore, aids in reinforcing the capabilities of the health care entity to deliver its objective satisfactorily.

References

Brock, D., Hinings, C. R., & Powell, M. (2012). Restructuring the professional organization: Accounting, health care and law. Routledge.

Danielle Blassingame

It is important for a healthcare administrator to be able to read and understand the various types of laws because they have the oversight of the entire hospital administration and their best interest at heart for both the patient and staff.  According to the article written at Texas A&M (author unk), we all wish our doctors are aware of current laws set in place and ethical concerns in healthcare because without them who would pay when medical malpractice is committed or more importantly when someone suffers and injury or dies.  All physicians take an oath to “do no harm,” and the concept seems simple, however, the reality of laws and ethics in healthcare is much gloomier.   Being the clinical staff is busy, the health administrator is more equipped to have the time to deal with the ethical side of healthcare.  Some of the biggest laws are HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), False Claims Act, Stark Law, and Anti-Kickback Law.  These are laws that a Health Administrator should familiarize themselves with because 9/10 they will come into contact with at least one in the span on their career and will need to know the ins and outs, especially HIPAA.  HIPAA protects patients privacy with regards to treatment and their medical records.  It's a huge program.  The False Claims Act covers fraud against the government.  Stark law isn't a very known law but it's where a physician refers a patient to one of their family members or financial partner for care.  Anti-Kickback Law prohibits the exchange of anything of value in an effort to induce the referral of federal health care program business.  (Texas A&M, 2017) . This being said if the health administrator doesn't know the importance of these laws then it could lead to malpractice, sentinel event, or death.

Texas A&M Univerisity Corpus Christi. Importance of Laws and Ethics in Healthcare Administration (14 March 2017). Retrieved from https://online.tamucc.edu/articles/laws-and-ethics-healthcare-admin.aspx.

Reply to Thread