Students examine selected issues from historical perspectives, present status, and future directions within health services administration. Health care reimbursement policies and related accounting principles, financial principles, and tools employed to manage finance in a health service organization are a major focus. Students apply the knowledge gained to practice situations in health care settings through simulations and case studies to better understand the theories and concepts and to gain an appreciation of the value of financial management in health care decision making. This course introduces the student to principles, processes, and systems of risk management in health services organizations. Activities and functions of health care practitioners and managers that are intended to reduce losses associated with clients, employees, property, or other sources of potential organizational liability are addressed.
Special emphasis is placed on the role and function of regulatory agencies in risk management.
Federal and state laws governing health service organizations and their impact upon the organizations risk management policies are also discussed. Nutrition education and promotion methods are also addressed. This course examines the accreditation guidelines for health professions practice facilities and education programs, the different types of accreditation agencies, and the process of self-assessment in accreditation. Students are introduced to legislation and other forces which impact and influence certification, licensure, and accreditation standards and guidelines. This course examines the current research on personality, intelligence, cognitive functioning, information processing, behavior and behavior change in older adults.