Instructions
In Unit 3, you are to submit a paper based on the following article which can be found in Course Resources:
Ruling may up risk for ‘apparent authority.’ (2009). Healthcare Risk Management, 31(4), 43–44.
The article is about the Doctrine of Apparent Authority (or Apparent Agency, DAA), which is also discussed in Chapter 6 of your textbook.
text book is: the law of healthcare administration, seventh eddition, showalter
After reading the article, compose a paper including, but not limited to, the following:
- Discuss apparent authority, generally.
- Include an understanding of risk management.
- Discuss the relationship between physician and hospital (or other authority/agency).
- What conclusions would you as a health administrator make about the relationship between physician and agency?
- How can health administrators help the relationship be productive for both parties?
Requirements
Your submission must be written in a scholarly, well-flowing piece that reflects Master’s level work.
Include a title page, a reference page, and 12 pt. Times New Roman font.
Your paper should be a minimum of 3 pages in length, not including the title page and references.
All formatting and references should follow APA format. You may include additional references beyond those provided within the Assignment.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In this paper, we will discuss various aspects related to apparent authority, risk management, and the relationship between physicians and hospitals or other healthcare agencies. We will also explore the conclusions that health administrators can draw from this relationship and how they can contribute to making it productive for both parties.
1. Discuss apparent authority, generally:
Apparent authority refers to a legal concept that enables a healthcare professional, such as a physician, to make decisions or take actions on behalf of a healthcare organization or agency, even if the professional does not have actual authority to do so. It is based on the belief that patients rely on the appearance of authority and assume that professionals have the necessary authorization.
2. Include an understanding of risk management:
Risk management in healthcare involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that could potentially lead to harm or financial loss for the organization, its employees, or patients. It aims to minimize or eliminate potential liabilities and ensure patient safety while maintaining the organization’s reputation.
3. Discuss the relationship between physician and hospital (or other authority/agency):
The relationship between physicians and hospitals or healthcare agencies is crucial for the effective delivery of healthcare services. Hospitals or agencies provide the necessary infrastructure, resources, and support for physicians to practice medicine. Physicians, on the other hand, bring their expertise, clinical skills, and reputation to the organization. This relationship is often based on contractual agreements, medical staff bylaws, or employment contracts.
4. What conclusions would you as a health administrator make about the relationship between physician and agency?
As a health administrator, I would draw several conclusions about the relationship between physicians and healthcare agencies. Firstly, effective communication and collaboration are essential for maintaining a strong physician-agency relationship. Clear expectations, policies, and procedures need to be established and communicated effectively to ensure mutual understanding.
Secondly, building trust and fostering a positive work environment is crucial. Health administrators should prioritize creating a culture that values and respects physicians’ contributions. This can be achieved through transparent decision-making processes, involving physicians in organizational decision-making, and recognizing their achievements.
Thirdly, it is essential to address any conflicts or disputes promptly and fairly. Health administrators should establish mechanisms for conflict resolution and provide support to physicians when facing challenging situations. Promoting a culture of fairness and accountability can help strengthen the physician-agency relationship.
Finally, ongoing evaluation and feedback processes should be in place to assess the performance of both physicians and healthcare agencies. Regular performance reviews, peer evaluations, and patient satisfaction surveys can provide valuable insights and improve the quality of care.
5. How can health administrators help the relationship be productive for both parties?
Health administrators play a crucial role in facilitating a productive relationship between physicians and healthcare agencies. They can provide support by:
– Developing and implementing policies and guidelines that promote collaboration and teamwork.
– Ensuring adequate resources are available to support physicians in delivering quality care.
– Offering professional development opportunities and continuing education programs to enhance physician skills and knowledge.
– Implementing effective systems for communication, both within the organization and with external stakeholders.
– Encouraging transparency and openness in decision-making processes.
– Advocating for physicians and representing their interests within the organization.
– Recognizing and rewarding outstanding performance and accomplishments.
By actively promoting a productive physician-agency relationship, health administrators can create a positive work environment, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to the overall success of the healthcare organization.
In conclusion, apparent authority plays a significant role in healthcare, and understanding its implications is crucial for healthcare administrators. Risk management, effective physician-agency relationships, and health administrators’ contributions are vital for ensuring patient safety and the success of healthcare organizations. By prioritizing communication, trust, conflict resolution, evaluation, and support, health administrators can foster productive relationships that benefit both physicians and agencies.
