Meeting/Event Information

CHRMS Webinar Series

“Is the Pain Real? Managing Risks of Drug Seeking Behavior”

Thursday, May 16, 2013

12:00 -- 1:00pm CST

Guest Speaker:  Teresa Baumgartner, RN, MJ

Risk Management Consultant 

Illinois Risk Management Services

The abuse of prescription medications is reaching epidemic proprtions in the United States. Healthcare providers are challenged with properly assessing and treating patients that complain of pain, anxiety and sleep problems without contributing to the abuse or addiction of prescription medications that are prescribed to treat these conditions. This webinar will address many issues and questions that arise from providers regarding the care of these patients. For example, can we refuse to give the patient narcotics; can we send the patient a letter and tell the patient we will not give them narcotics if they present to the Emergency Department; can we flag the patient’s chart so providers will know the patient is a “drug seeker?” Please join us to discuss this interesting topic.

Objectives:

• Understand the scope of the problem surrounding drug seeking behavior. 
• Evaluate treatment options for patients requesting narcotics in the emergency department and in the office setting. 
• Describe the use of pain contracts, termination of patient from services, and prescription manipulation. 
• Identify important information that may be obtained through accessing the Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program.

Speaker: Teresa Baumgartner, RN, MJ

In her role as a Risk Management Consultant at Illinois Risk Management Services (IRMS), Teresa provides consultation to hospitals, physicians and clinic staff on risk management matters, performs risk assessments, and prepares and delivers educational programs.  Prior to joining IRMS in 2004, she had her own consulting business and worked at a major medical malpractice law firm as a Nurse Consultant.  During this time, Teresa also worked as an adjunct faculty member teaching Legal Nurse Consulting Courses at a local college.  Her career as a registered nurse began with staff nursing in ICU at a Level 1 Trauma Center.  She was active on Nursing Practice Committees, and precepting nurses in the hospital setting.  She is an active member of ASHRM, ISHRM and CHRMS.