Question

Elaine has moved to a new state to assume the director of HIM in a large community hospital. In her previous position, reporting trauma injuries was required by state law. However, in her new position, it is apparent that the hospital is not reporting traumatic injuries. Which of the following is the most appropriate action for Elaine to take?

a) Report the hospital to the state's health department
b) Disregard the reporting since it was not a requirement in her new position
c) Document the discrepancy and report it to the hospital administration
d) Contact the media to bring attention to the issue

Answer 1

Elaine should document the discrepancy in trauma injuries reporting and communicate it with the hospital's administration to ensure proper compliance with state laws.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best course of action for Elaine, who has moved to a new state to assume the director of HIM in a large community hospital and has noticed that traumatic injuries are not being reported in her new position, is to document the discrepancy and report it to the hospital administration. This action respects the chain of command while ensuring that the issue is addressed appropriately. Moreover, it provides an opportunity for the administration to rectify the situation according to the state's health reporting laws, if applicable.