Premises liability exposures are moderate due to patients' access to the premises. Client areas should be neat with no obstructions. To prevent trips, slips, and falls, all areas accessible to patients must be well maintained with floor covering in good condition. The number of exits must be sufficient, and be well marked, with backup lighting in case of power failure. Adequately lit and marked exits and egresses are mandatory. Steps should have handrails, be illuminated, marked, and in good repair. Parking lots should be maintained free of ice and snow.
Housekeeping should be excellent and spills must be cleaned up. Clients' areas must be designed to include those who are physically impaired. Escort procedures must be clear for all personnel. Maintaining a patient's privacy is critical. Consultation rooms, check-in and checkout stations must be in private areas so one patient cannot view information or overhear conversations regarding another patient's' confidential information.
Malpractice / Professional liability exposures are extensive. The exposure increases if the provider fails to conduct thorough background checks to verify employees' credentials, education, and licensing. The more types of services provided, the greater the chance of a professional liability loss. A patient's medical history must be checked prior to prescribing medications in those states that permit a psychologist to order medications.
Unless ordered by a court, very serious losses may result from failure to secure patient approval before admitting to any type of institution. Finally, inappropriate touching and sexual misconduct must be considered.
Workers compensation exposures are due to the possible transmission of diseases from patients to staff members. Unruly or unpredictable clients can cause injury or harm, including bites, strains, back injuries, and contusions. Because patient information and billings are done on computers, potential injuries include eyestrain, neck strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and similar cumulative trauma injuries that can be addressed through ergonomically designed workstations.
Property exposures for fire and crime are minor. Ignition sources are generally limited to electrical wiring, heating, and air conditioning systems. Business income and extra expense exposure can be minimized if the psychologist has arranged for temporary facilities with another psychologist.
Crime exposure is from employee dishonesty. The potential for theft, directly or by means of identity theft, is great. Background checks should be conducted on all employees handling money. All ordering, billing, and disbursement must be handled by separate individuals. Money and securities are a concern if payments are accepted on premises. Deposits should be made regularly and money should not be kept on premises overnight.
Inland marine exposures are from accounts receivable if the psychologist bills for services, computers, and valuable papers and records for patients' records and medical research books. Duplicates of all records and programs should be made and kept off-site.
Business auto exposures are generally limited to hired and non-owned liability for employees who use their own vehicles to run errands. If there are owned vehicles, all drivers should be licensed with acceptable MVRs. Vehicles must be maintained and records kept in a central location.