CNA HealthPro presents aging services claims studies

CNA HealthPro, a leader in the healthcare professional liability industry, presents the sixth in a series of aging services claims studies, Reducing Risk in a Changing Industry: CNA HealthPro Aging Services Claims Analysis 2004-2008. The study includes a legislative update, analysis of updated claims data and questions designed to assist aging service organizations conduct self-assessments.

“We have a long history of collaborating with aging services organizations and are committed to providing our clients with information on emerging healthcare industry issues,” said Andrew Shapiro, senior vice president, CNA HealthPro. “Our claims studies provide unique insights into the professional liability environment and are designed to help aging services organizations provide residents with safe, comfortable, caring environments while minimizing risk exposures.”

The Reducing Risk in a Changing Industry study was developed by a multidisciplinary team comprised of CNA HealthPro risk management consultants, actuaries, claim professionals, legal counsel and senior underwriters. Data and key findings include:

• The severity of closed claims has increased at an average rate of 7.6 percent per year.
• Not-for-profit facilities have fewer open and closed claims than for-profit facilities.
• Skilled nursing facilities have the highest average severity within the not-for-profit business segment, followed by continuing care retirement communities.
• Assisted living facilities have the highest average severity within the for-profit business segment, followed by skilled nursing facilities.

• The most frequent allegation is resident fall, which comprises approximately 44 percent not-for-profit and 38 percent for-profit open and closed claims.
• Injuries with high severity include amputation, sexual assault. death, head injury, loss of organ and pressure ulcer.

This study, as well as other CNA HealthPro client risk management resources, can be accessed at www.cna.com - click “Risk Control,” “Client Materials,” “Medical Services.”