Risk Management Publications

CAP publishes a series of newsletters and digests to provide risk management and practice management expertise, addressing the topics you need to know about now.

The Importance of an Advance Directive Cannot be Overlooked

An advance directive is a document, such as a living will or durable power of attorney, which provides instructions that guide an agent in making healthcare-related decisions on behalf of a patient. Its purpose is to empower patients to ensure their wishes and goals of care are followed.

Court Explains ‘Implied Malice’ in Upholding Physician’s Murder Convictions

The Court of Appeal has found a substantial basis for a physician’s second-degree murder convictions arising out of the doctor’s drug prescriptions to three patients. By articulating the “implied malice” required for the convictions, the appellate court explained how circumstantial evidence of the physician’s state of mind could be accepted by a jury to convict the physician of murder.

Legislature Pivots to the Opioid Crisis

In California, based on data available from the Department of Public Health as of January 4, 2023, there were 7,175 opioid-related overdose deaths in 2021, with 5,961 being fentanyl-related. Amongst those, 236 were teens aged 15 to 19. Another staggering data point on this report is the 21,016 emergency department visits related to opioid overdoses in 2021.

Compliance Training a Must for Medical Practices: Free Courses for CAP Members

The Cooperative of American Physicians (CAP) is pleased to offer its members free courses for this mandated training, which also includes an optional 40-minute diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) training program addressing discrimination in the workplace.

A.M. Best Affirms A+ (Superior) Rating of the Cooperative of American Physicians’ Mutual Protection Trust for 16th Consecutive Year

As a CAP member, you'll be pleased to know that the Mutual Protection Trust (MPT) has earned a Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior) from A.M. Best for the 16th consecutive year.

Important Information About CAP Member CyberRisk Insurance Benefits

As today’s risks are more threatening and prevalent, it is important for you to remember the value-added insurance coverages CAP provides as part of your membership, including CyberRisk insurance. This cyberliability policy covers up to $50,000 and 5,000 patient notifications per covered claim should you experience a data breach in your practice.

Pay Your CAP Bill Electronically and Automatically for Safer, Hassle-Free Transactions!

You can now go online and set up recurring payments to pay your CAP bill easily and securely directly from your checking account, just like a paper check but with a lot less hassle.

Introducing CAPMobile, A New App for Managing Your CAP Membership On The Go

Managing your membership just got easier with CAPMobile, CAP’s new app available for free in the Apple App Store and in Google Play.

March, 2023

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February, 2023

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January, 2023

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Risk E-Notes

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Promoting Accountability Through The Patient Partnership Plan

The Patient Partnership Plan was developed by CAP risk management and patient safety specialists to help physicians increase the levels of accountability of the patient by managing their levels of expectations, thus reducing risk and liability.

CAP COVID-19 Resource Center

CAP is committed to helping our member physicians meet the challenges that arise during the COVID-19 pandemic. To that end, CAP has launched our COVID-19 resource page, which will continually be revised with key guidance and current best practices. Among the useful resources the site currently offers are printable office signage templates, healthcare provider resources, and extensive guidance to implementing telemedicine in your practice.

Educating Your Patients on Disposing of Unwanted Medications

Most physicians would likely not be surprised that many American homes have an accumulation of unused, unwanted, or expired medications. But did you ever consider the potential safety hazards these surplus medications present?

Discontinuing the Patient-Physician Relationship

CAP's Hotline receives frequent calls requesting guidelines on discontinuing/terminating this patient-physician relationship, not because of wellness, but because the physician no longer desires to have the patient in his practice. From these calls, we have learned of "misunderstandings," which this article intends to clarify.

Who Must Sign a Death Certificate?

CAP member physicians frequently call our hotline with questions about completing a patient’s death certificate. Sometimes, they are reluctant to sign the legal document since they were not in attendance at the time of death. Other times, they inquire if their nurse practitioner or physician assistant can sign the death certificate for them.

Documenting Telephone Calls with Patients

How does your office handle telephone messages from patients?

Short answer: It should be like a well-oiled machine.

This article will assist physicians and their office managers to:

The Latest Strategies for Treating and Protecting Against Coronavirus

As new information emerges daily around the Coronavirus and as the search for answers continue, the risk management and patient safety experts with the Cooperative of American Physicians, Inc. (CAP) would like to ensure that physicians and medical communities across California have access to the most reliable resources to remain aware of the latest strategies in treatment, protection, and prevention.

The Coronavirus Threat Lurking Beyond the Clinic

Outside of websites, texts, and social media posts advertising fake products, cures, and false information, physicians and their staff should be aware of phishing emails circulating throughout the healthcare industry, among others. CAPAdvantage program member, Acentec, has recently distributed an alert to warn the medical community of scammers who are trying to capitalize on fears surrounding the virus and its potential spread.

New Evidence About Severe Pulmonary Disease Linked to Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS)

Electronic Nicotine Delivery systems (ENDS) are the newest emerging technology in the epidemic of novel tobacco products that has been spilling out of start-up companies for the last 13 years. So physicians wonder, “How should I respond when my patients seek advice about using these electronic devices?”

How to Respond to Patient Grievance Letters

What should you do when your office receives a grievance letter from a health plan and a written response is requested?

Patient Safety Advocate

Patient Safety Advocate is a free bi-monthly newsletter created by CAP's risk management and patient safety experts, specifically for the independent medical practice. Physicians, practice administrators, and office staff can use this valuable resource to strengthen the fundamentals of patient safety, while establishing a culture geared towards providing positive patient experiences.

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