00:01
Welcome back everyone.
00:03
As advocates for our patients and ourselves,
it's important to remain vigilant in regards to illegal
or unethical practices we discover in our workplace.
00:12
If or when we discover this has occurred, it's
also important that we understand whistleblowing.
00:19
A whistleblower is a person who exposes
any kind of information or actvity
that is deemed illegal, unethical or not correct within
an organization that is either private or public.
00:31
Now there are two types of whistleblowing.
00:33
First - internal.
00:35
This is where our concern is reported
within the organization in the hope
that the practice will stop and
that the patients are protected
And then there's external.
00:44
This is where inside information is provided to the
state agency that licenses the healthcare facility,
typically without approval from
or knowledge of the facility.
00:54
Now there are important considerations and
it require the nurse to be very responsible.
01:00
You need to have clear evidence that the conduct
reported is illegal, unethical and/or unsafe.
01:08
The report is accurate against not only the
facility, bit also against specific individuals.
01:15
And also the reporting is to
correct the harmful conduct.
01:20
Now some examples of reported acts could
include off-label merketing by drug reps,
improper use of laboratory or
other test to increased payments,
upcoding of services provided
to increase payment levels,
claims of home health visits
that really didn't occur,
billing for doctors' services when doctors
weren't present for the procedure.
01:41
or improper care of children in
state-run mental health facilities.
01:46
Now there are some risks and challenges.
01:49
No one likes to have their judgements
or their actions questioned
Secondly, if you work in teams, you may be fearful to act
as a whistleblower for fear of guilt by association.
02:00
Also, it may impact the ability to find an alternative
employment opportunity following the whistleblowing incident.
02:07
And also, your suspicions may
lack the necessary evidence.
02:12
So it's really important when you're collecting
evidence to make sure you do several things.
02:16
First, clearly document the times, dates, the
persons involved and any important facts.
02:23
Be sure to consider partnering with another
individual who's witnessed the act.
02:28
Due to possible violation of the company's privacy policies,
be sure to consult legal counsel before copying any documents.
02:36
Now the occupational safety and helath act is a federal law
that protects workers from retaliation for complaining.
02:44
In regard to protection, several states have their own occupational
health and safety laws and state agencies that enforce them.
02:52
Now let's discuss the
additional considerations.
02:55
Reserve judgement until you have adequate
documentation to establish wrongdoing.
03:00
You actually have to blow the whistle to be protected in a
whistleblower situation for retaliation by your employer.
03:08
Now any report to a state or national regulator
as private groups do not confer protection.
03:14
This would include organizations such as the joint
commission or the national committee for quality assurance.
03:20
Put your complaint in writing even though it
may not be required by every regulatory agency
Remain calm and do not lose your temper even if those
who learned of your actions attempt to provoke you.
03:33
Remember, the blowing of whistle is a very serious matter.
03:37
Do not blow the whistle frivolously.
03:39
Make sure you have the facts
straight before taking action.
03:43
However, whistleblowing is both an
ethical and legal responsibility.
03:50
So in thinking of everything we've covered
today, I'd like you to consider this question.
03:55
Identify three considerations
in regard to whistleblowing.
04:05
First, have clear evidence that the conduct
reported is illegal, unethical and/or unsafe.
04:12
The report is accurate against not only the
facility but against specific individuals
And the reporting is to correct the harmful conduct.
04:21
I hope you've enjoyed watching
today's video on whistleblowing.
04:24
Thanks so much for watching.