Recognizing our fallen fellow healthcare workers.
Today I would like to take a moment to recognize Jacqueline Pokuaa and Annette Flowers, who were shot and killed at Methodist Dallas Medical Center on Oct. 22. Jacqueline was a social worker covering the women and infant unit, and Annette was one of the mom-baby nurses. My heart goes out to their families and staff at Methodist Dallas who continue to come to work in the aftermath of such a tragic event.
On social media you can see various healthcare workers placing the RN symbol with a line through it, as a recognition of and honor to our fallen fellow healthcare workers. This event is tragic, and unfortunately, no longer unique. In June, a disgruntled patient opened fire in a Tulsa, Oklahoma hospital, killing three healthcare workers and a relative of a patient.
This past March, the American Hospital Association (AHA) published an open letter to the Attorney General requesting support and additional protections, in response to increasing violence against healthcare workers. At that time, 44 percent of nurses reported physical violence and 68 percent reported verbal abuse since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The AHA pleaded for federal regulations to support healthcare workers, which would place them under similar protections as flight crews and airport workers.
On June 7, U.S. Reps. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.) and Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.) introduced to the House Judiciary Committee the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act, H.R. 7961. This Act would establish legal penalties for assaulting or intimidating hospital employees. In particular, the SAVE Act would establish federal criminal penalties for those who knowingly assault and intimidate hospital employees. Additionally, the bill authorizes $25 million in grant funding over 10 years to reduce violence and intimidation in hospitals. These funds would be approved to be used for training, law-enforcement coordination in healthcare settings, and technology support, such as cameras or metal detectors. To date, this bill is still sitting at the House of Representatives awaiting a vote.
Today I ask, have you seen a change in security presence at your organization since the increased violence in hospitals across the country unfolded? The responses from the Monitor Mondays Listeners Survey may surprise you; they can be viewed here.
Programming Note: Listen to Tiffany Ferguson’s live reporting on the SDoH every Monday on Monitor Mondays at 10 a.m. EST.
References:
https://www.aaos.org/globalassets/advocacy/action-center/2022-issue-one-page—save-act.pdf
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping diagnostic medicine. From radiology and dermatology to primary care and mental health, AI systems – particularly those powered by
Normally, I write about substantive law, but today I’m going to focus more on psychology. The idea was triggered by the subject line in an
Please log in to your account to comment on this article.
Only ICD10monitor delivers what you need: updates on must-know changes associated with the FY26 IPPS, including new ICD-10-CM/PCS codes, CCs/MCCs, and MS-DRGs, plus insights, analysis and answers to your questions from two of the country’s most respected subject matter experts.
This third session in our 2026 IPPS Masterclass will feature a review of FY26 changes to the MS-DRG methodology and new technology add-on payments (NTAPs), presented by nationally recognized ICD-10 coding expert Christine Geiger, MA, RHIA, CCS, CRC, with bonus insights and analysis from Dr. James Kennedy.
This second session in our 2026 IPPS Masterclass will feature a review the FY26 changes to ICD-10-PCS codes. This information will be presented by nationally recognized ICD-10 coding expert Christine Geiger, MA, RHIA, CCS, CRC, with bonus insights and analysis from Dr. James Kennedy.
This first session in our 2026 IPPS Masterclass will feature an in-depth explanation of FY26 changes to ICD-10-CM codes and guidelines, CCs/MCCs, and revisions to the MCE, presented by presented by nationally recognized ICD-10 coding expert Christine Geiger, MA, RHIA, CCS, CRC, with bonus insights and analysis from Dr. James Kennedy.
RACmonitor is proud to welcome back Dr. Ronald Hirsch, one of his most requested webcasts. In this highly anticipated session, Dr. Hirsch will break down the complex Two Midnight Rule Medicare regulations, translating them into clear, actionable guidance. He’ll walk you through the basics of the rule, offer expert interpretation, and apply the rule to real-world clinical scenarios—so you leave with greater clarity, confidence, and the tools to ensure compliance.
Bring your questions and join the conversation during this open forum series, live every Wednesday at 10 a.m. EST from June 11–July 30. Hosted by Chuck Buck, these fast-paced 30-minute sessions connect you directly with top healthcare experts tackling today’s most urgent compliance and policy issues.
Fraud convictions don’t just punish a few bad claims; they can wipe out years of reimbursements. Don’t wait for an audit to learn the rules. Join Frank Cohen, MPA, for a live Q&A on spotting red flags, avoiding liability, and protecting your practice. Register now and bring your questions!
Substance abuse is everywhere. It’s a complicated diagnosis with wide-ranging implications well beyond acute care. The face of addiction continues to change so it’s important to remember not just the addict but the spectrum of extended victims and the other social determinants and legal ramifications. Join John K. Hall, MD, JD, MBA, FCLM, FRCPC, for a critical Q&A on navigating substance abuse in 2025. Register today and be a part of the conversation!
Copyright © 2025 RACmonitor. Powered by MedLearn Media.
Happy National Doctor’s Day! Learn how to get a complimentary webcast on ‘Decoding Social Admissions’ as a token of our heartfelt appreciation! Click here to learn more →
CYBER WEEK IS HERE! Don’t miss your chance to get 20% off now until Dec. 2 with code CYBER24
