COPIC Comment: Reviewing 2016: COPIC’s commitment to improve health care

Tuesday, November 01, 2016 12:33 AM

by Ted J. Clarke, MD, Chairman & CEO, COPIC Insurance Company

As another year comes to an end, there is an opportunity to reflect on what we accomplished and where we can do better. This is an essential part of COPIC’s commitment to health care professionals—the support we provide to improve medicine requires us to constantly assess and improve our own resources and services. And as I think about what happened in 2016, I am proud of the many ways we delivered on our commitment. 

ACCME “Accreditation with Commendation” status
COPIC received the highest level of accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). This makes us one of a few medical professional liability carriers to receive “Accreditation with Commendation,” and places us among the ranks of several professional societies, certain state medical societies, and recognized medical schools that have achieved this status.

Supporting human resources in the medical community
During 2016, COPIC hosted its popular “Risky Practices” program for individuals who handle human resource responsibilities. The one-day program aims to reduce the risk of employment practice litigation, and this year included stops in Colorado Springs, Boulder, Fort Collins and Grand Junction. We received positive feedback from attendees such as: 

• “Details were given that provided a base for excellence in developing correct policies and procedures.”
• “Great conversation. Engaging. Covered wide range of topics, and they were all covered thoroughly.”

Grant funding for promising initiatives
In 2016, the COPIC Medical Foundation provided grants that helped fund the following:

• The Patient Reported Outcomes Program at the Rocky Mountain MS Center at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
• A classroom-based performance-improvement program called “Foundational Curriculum in Quality and Safety” as part of St. Joseph Hospital’s Graduate Medical Education.
• UTI Decide, a pilot program aimed at increasing the correct diagnosis of urinary tract infections, part of the Division of Health Care Policy and Research at the University of Colorado at Denver.
• Kidney Care Kits pilot program overseen by the Colorado Chapter of the National Kidney Foundation.
• A pilot program focused on hand and eye motion analysis to assess procedural competency on behalf of the Denver Health Foundation.

Steadfast legislative advocacy 
Every legislative session, health care is at the forefront of issues under debate. COPIC remains diligent in our efforts to monitor legislation and review bills that have the potential to impact health care. These efforts are done in coordination with key partners such as the Colorado Medical Society and the Colorado Hospital Association. During the 2016 Colorado legislative session, we reviewed approximately 50 proposed, amended and draft bills of interest. Of the 50 bills, we provided guidance or input on 20 bills and our team offered amendment language on 10 bills.

COPIC’s involvement also extends into the regulatory world, where we work directly with organizations such as the Colorado Medical Board (CMB) and the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. Our unique role in health care enables us to provide trusted, valued input on matters that include oversight of allied health professionals (CMB Rule 400) and the delegation of responsibilities (CMB Rule 800).

Other COPIC milestones in 2016

• More than 6,900 physicians have enrolled in our 3Rs Program.
• More than 1,800 physician residents have participated in our Resident Rotation.
• The COPIC Medical Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary.

As we prepare for 2017, COPIC’s commitment to health care professionals will continue to guide our efforts to support improved care and patient safety. We look forward to serving as a trusted partner for years to come.