Job Description Summary

Review & track incident reports ensuring that follow-ups are complete; perform investigations under direction of in-house counsel or hospital peer review committees; complete regulatory reporting within the required timeframe if indicated; prepare reports of adverse events resulting in liability exposure; act as resource person for all Health System employees concerning risk management issues; investigate patient complaints & determine most appropriate method of management; participate on committees that address issues with risk management implications; complete clinical summaries for medical legal reviews, provide risk management educational sessions to individual departments or units.

Job Responsibilities

• Reviews incident reports and enters appropriate information into the database.  Refers reports to other involved departments and assures follow-up is complete.  Identifies incident reports requiring further investigation and performs reporting to regulatory agencies when necessary.

• Performs investigations pursuant to direction of in-house counsel or hospital peer review committees, often followed by written reports, of adverse events resulting in liability exposure.  Investigations may include contact with nurses, physicians, University representatives, and Health System employees.

• Provides written reports under the direction of in-house counsel, of potential claim and claim events, which involve assessing and organizing medical reports; the gathering of all necessary facts and information; and the provision of medical literature when appropriate.

• Acts as a resource person for all Health System employees concerning risk management issues such as informed consent, documentation, policies and procedures, etc.

• Investigates patient complaints with potential liability exposure.  Determines the most appropriate method of management and assists in the preparation of response letters. Participates on committees that address issues with risk management implications (i.e.: Incidents & Occurrences Committee, Environment of Care Committee, Patient Safety Steering Committee, Nursing Claims Review Committee, etc.). 

• Provides data to committees regarding risk management issues identified through the incident reporting process. Provides risk management educational sessions to individual departments or units to address issues such as incident reporting; documentation; compliance with regulatory requirements; management of patient complaints; or other issues as requested or as identified through the incident reporting process.

• Provides assistance to the Claims Coordinator, in-house counsel, and defense counsel in the interpretation and understanding of the medical aspects of malpractice claims. Teamwork and support of colleagues are essential. 

• The employee is expected to promote organizational values of patient and visitor satisfaction by demonstrating courtesy and respect for patients and their families, visitors, and other employees.  Demonstrates the ability to maintain an accurate and current incident report data base, along with the ability to generate data reports. 

• Performs the evaluation of potentially compensable events and prepares reports demonstrating excellent analytical and writing skills. Continuous contact with health care providers and frequent contact with attorneys within and outside the Health System.  Effective and appropriate interpersonal relationship skills, including tact, diplomacy, and common sense are essential.

• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in Nursing required with Professional Nursing License in Commonwealth of PA required

• 3 years’ clinical experience within last 5 years with prior experience in health care risk management

• Quality assurance, or case management positions preferred;

• May be required to travel throughout Medical Center, University Campus & Penn Medicine.

* Please provide cover letter

About University of Pennsylvania and Penn Medicine

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Connections working at University of Pennsylvania and Penn Medicine