Study reveals risks associated with providing care for aging
population and options for change
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
CNA insurance releasesits seventh aging services professional
liability claims studies titled Aging Services 2012: Data Analysis
Supporting the Need for Industry Change designed to provide a better
understanding of the risks associated with providing care for the aging
population, as well as presenting options for change.
“CNA is a leader in providing insurance solutions for the aging services
industry. We believe that objective information should be a primary
driver for change. In our leadership role, we provide data to assist the
industry in effective management of risk exposures. We are with our
clients in understanding where the industry is headed in order to
enhance resident safety and the quality of their lives,” said Ellen
Wodika, Risk Control Consulting Director – CNA.
The Aging Services 2012 study was developed by a
multidisciplinary team comprised of CNA Healthcare risk management
consultants, actuaries, claim professionals, legal counsel and senior
underwriters. Analysis of the data reveals the following key findings:
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Actuarial projections indicate that the frequency of claims that
incurred indemnity or expense payments has fluctuated between 2.6 and
4.0 claims per thousand beds between 2001 and 2010.
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While both indemnity and expense payments have fluctuated over time,
ultimate severity of indemnity and expense payments has trended upward
over the past 10 years.
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Not-for-profit facilities have disproportionately fewer closed claims
relative to their share of the CNA book of business than for-profit
facilities.
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Skilled nursing facilities have the highest average severity, followed
by assisted living facilities.
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High severity allegations include elopement, failure to follow
physician orders, gross improper care, pressure ulcer and failure to
inform the physician on change in the resident’s condition.
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The most frequent injuries are death and fracture. Almost one-half of
the closed claims – 48.6 percent – involve death.
The “Looking Forward” section of the study discusses new theories of
liability that will emerge as factors in healthcare delivery models
evolve. Long-range planning efforts should consider industry
developments, such as accountable care organizations, mergers and
acquisitions, information technology, living environment and
resident-directed care, staffing shortage and burnout, social media and
Internet usage, changes in reimbursement and increasing complexity of
risk exposures.
The complete study, as well as other CNA Healthcare client risk control
resources, can be accessed under ‘Client Resources’ at http://www.cna.com/portal/site/cna/riskcontrol.
Serving businesses and professionals since 1897, CNA is the country’s
seventh largest commercial insurance underwriter and the 13th
largest property and casualty company. CNA’s insurance products include
standard commercial lines, specialty lines, surety, marine and other
property and casualty coverages. CNA's services include risk management,
information services, underwriting, risk control and claims
administration.
For more information, please visit CNA at www.cna.com.
CNA is a registered trademark of CNA Financial Corporation.
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CNA
Jennifer Martinez, 312-822-5167
or
Sarah Pang,
312-822-6394
Source: CNA