Risk Management Professional Roles In Healthcare Facilities

Among the all the roles within a healthcare facility the role of the risk management professional is one that is of the utmost importance to the facility. According to (Carroll, 2009), “The best-qualified health care organizations are focusing on how to demonstrate that they deliver safe, effective, and efficient care without compromising essential elements of control (p. 470)”. The role of the risk management professional is vitally important, because they support the facility so it can stay in compliance with regulatory requirements and standards. Additionally, this role also oversees that patient’s safety and security is protected. This role must understand and be knowledgeable about the facility’s many requirements to stay operational and

Depending on the type of healthcare facility, there may be mandatory accreditations that are required in order for the facility to operate. Likewise, many facilities also seek voluntary accreditations which support the goals and missions of that facility. The risk manager must stay abreast of the organization’s requirements to participate in both types of accreditations as well as the requirements for the state in which they operate. Specifically, required accreditations for healthcare facilities are through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) and the Agency for Healthcare Administration (ACHA). On the other hand, voluntary accreditations are done through agencies such as Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. (AAAHC), and The Joint Commission. Equally important, the risk management professional must work in conjunction with the healthcare facility’s management team to arrange these

Therefore, it is imperative that this professional be well educated and be willing to pursue continuing education in order to stay abreast of evolving changes as they arise in the industry. With this in mind, most risk management professionals have either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in healthcare risk management. Another key point, is many of these professionals come from various backgrounds prior to entering into the world of risk management including the following according to (Carroll, 2009), “nursing, law, administration, quality assurance, and insurance (p. 78)”. Without the expertise of the risk management professional the healthcare industry would not function at the level which it does today. Ultimately, the role of the risk management professional is essential in maintaining the healthcare facility’s accreditation, licensure, and certification as well as staying abreast of the surveying bodies. Hence, this is why the role of the risk management professional is so vitally important to any healthcare