Review your organization’s risk management policies (or those for a typical health care organization) as they relate to the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and workers’ compensation. Describe the (a) process for reporting an incident. If there is no existing policy, explain the steps in developing and obtaining for a policy within either your organization or a typical health care organization. Support your analysis with a minimum of one peer-reviewed reference.

Introduction
Risk management is a crucial aspect of any organization, particularly in the healthcare sector. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and workers’ compensation are two important considerations when developing risk management policies. This paper will review a typical health care organization’s risk management policies in relation to the ADA and workers’ compensation and outline the process for reporting an incident.

Review of Risk Management Policies
In a typical health care organization, risk management policies related to the ADA aim to ensure compliance with the law. The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and requires that reasonable accommodations be made to enable individuals to perform essential job functions. Risk management policies should include provisions for identifying the presence of disabilities among employees and patients, assessing potential barriers to their full participation, and implementing appropriate accommodations.

One peer-reviewed study by Donoghue and colleagues (2016) explored the challenges faced by health care organizations in implementing ADA compliance. The study highlights the need for comprehensive risk management policies that cover all areas, including facility design, equipment procurement, workforce management, and patient care. It emphasizes the importance of proactive risk assessments to identify barriers and develop strategies for accommodation.

Workers’ compensation is another critical aspect of risk management policies for health care organizations. Workers’ compensation laws aim to protect employees who sustain work-related injuries or illnesses by providing financial and medical benefits. Risk management policies should outline the procedures for handling workers’ compensation claims, including reporting incidents, conducting investigations, and assisting injured employees in their recovery and return to work.

Process for Reporting an Incident
The process for reporting an incident in a typical health care organization can vary depending on the specific policies and procedures in place. However, a general outline of the steps involved in reporting an incident is as follows:

1. Identification and Documentation: The individual involved in or witnessing the incident should promptly identify and document the details of the incident. This may include recording the location, date, time, nature of the incident, and any injuries sustained.

2. Immediate Response: If the incident involves an immediate risk to individuals’ health or safety, immediate action should be taken to mitigate the risk. This may include providing first aid, contacting emergency medical services, or securing the scene to prevent further harm.

3. Notification: The incident should be promptly reported to the designated authority within the organization. This may involve notifying a supervisor, manager, or a specific department responsible for incident reporting, such as the risk management department.

4. Incident Report: An incident report should be completed, providing a detailed account of the incident. The report should include all relevant information gathered during the identification and documentation phase. This report serves as an official record of the incident and may be used for investigation and future reference.

5. Investigation: Upon receiving the incident report, a thorough investigation should be conducted to determine the cause, contributing factors, and potential areas for improvement. The investigation may involve interviews with witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage, and examining relevant documentation.

6. Corrective Action: Based on the findings of the investigation, appropriate corrective action should be implemented to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. This may include revising policies and procedures, enhancing training programs, or implementing additional safety measures.

Conclusion
In summary, risk management policies in a typical health care organization should encompass compliance with the ADA and workers’ compensation laws. Processes for reporting incidents are essential components of these policies. It is crucial for organizations to develop comprehensive policies that address the challenges of ADA compliance and workers’ compensation, ensuring the well-being of employees and patients. Effective risk management strategies can mitigate financial and legal risks, promote a safe and inclusive environment, and enhance overall organizational performance in the healthcare sector.

Reference:
Donoghue C, Wolffe K, Uthman OA. (2016). Health care organizations’ policies, practices, and recommendations for improving care provided to patients with disabilities. Health Services Research, 51(5), 1774-1796.