Government of U.S. Territory Unable to Pay Malpractice Settlements

Wichita, KS -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/05/2016 -- The U.S. Virgin Islands government has told V.I. attorney Julie Evert that it is no longer able to pay damages to victims of medical malpractice. This is due to the government's failure to maintain the Medical Malpractice Risk Management Fund, which is stipulated in the government's V.I. Code. Victims of malpractice are now left completely unprotected.

In a recent medical malpractice claim, Evert was informed by the V.I. Risk Management Office that the Government of the Virgin Islands would only pay the settlement agreement when "funds are made available." According to Evert, the V.I. "cannot commit to paying a settlement in 30 days, 60 days, six months, or in one year or more. That means a suit against a doctor can be legitimate, yet settlement comes when and if the government decides to pay it" (Virgin Islands Daily News).

"Victims of medical malpractice deserve the opportunity to reclaim their lives after terrible injuries. Denying them compensation is unacceptable," says Bradley J. Prochaska, medical malpractice attorney of Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska. "There must be accountability and transparency in all medical malpractice claims. Furthermore, legislators and physicians must be held responsible for their actions."

Unfortunately, the V.I. medical malpractice system has been broken for many years. The V.I. Code originally placed a $250,000 cap on medical malpractice claims. The Medical Risk Management Unit was then responsible for processing the claim. The unit's mission was intended to not only help victims recover, but also to assist medical professionals in improving quality patient care. However, the Medical Malpractice Risk Management Fund and the V.I. Medical Malpractice Action Review Committee no longer exist.

As a result, V.I. medical malpractice attorneys are not being paid by the government, and many are no longer taking victims as clients. "In the end, it's patients and their families who suffer the most," says Prochaska. "Medical malpractice is a terrible tragedy that results in severe physical and emotional trauma. When victims are left unprotected and no one is held accountable, then the medical industry's code of ethics loses all credibility."

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Bad Faith Claims Protect Victims of Medical Malpractice from Unfair Treatment by Insurance Companies

Wichita, KS -- (ReleaseWire) -- 12/17/2015 -- In Chicago, Illinois, a Cook County jury awarded Alizabeth and Elvin Hana $1.35 million in compensatory damages and $13 million in punitive damages. The $14.3 million judgment comes against ISMIE Mutual Insurance, the largest medical malpractice insurer in the state. It was determined that ISMIE acted in "bad faith" when they refused to settle within the policy limits in the wrongful death case of the Hanas' infant daughter. Furthermore, ISMIE also acted in "bad faith" in their failure to inform the doctors of the insurance coverage available to the family, and misleading the doctors into going to trial. This is the 25th bad faith claim against ISMIE in the last 10 years.

"Insurance companies have a duty to practice good faith toward injured victims. Unfortunately, this does not always occur," explains Bradley J. Prochaska, medical malpractice attorney of Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska. "Bad faith claims arise when a third-party insurance company lies about, or wrongfully interferes with a medical malpractice claim."

Bad faith can include: fraud, withholding evidence, denial of coverage, failure to pay coverage in a reasonable time period, failure to disclose policy limits, and offering significantly less money to settle than the true value of the claim.

In 2004, the Hanas' daughter, Mary, suffered severe brain damage at birth due to oxygen deprivation. She died in 2007 after living in a vegetative state the previous three years. In May 2009, the Hanas' medical malpractice case went to trial and they were awarded $6.2 million in damages.

However, ISMIE had only insured the doctors for $5 million, which left a $1.4 million gap in the court settlement. Obstetricians Albert and Joyce Chams assigned their claim of bad faith against of ISIMIE to the Hanas. The case was settled in November 2015.

"Bad faith by insurance companies harms both medical malpractice victims and physicians," says Prochaska. "In order to protect families who have suffered terrible tragedies, there needs to be complete transparency and accountability in medical malpractice cases. Transparency in all aspects of a case also enforces the credibility of the medical industry's code of ethics."

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Audiovisual Recordings Could Uncover Instances of Medical Malpractice During Surgery

Wichita, KS -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/09/2015 -- Wisconsin, Rep. Christine Sinicki (D-Milwaukee) has recently introduced legislation that would allow medical procedures to be audiovisually recorded with a surgical "black box." If this bill is passed, it would give patients the right to have their surgeries videotaped (Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel). This technology is designed to help surgeons analyze their own performance, as well as provide evidence in the instance of medical malpractice.

"Medical malpractice during surgical procedures negatively affects countless of families every year," says Bradley J. Prochaska, medical malpractice attorney of Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska LLC. "In order to protect injured victims of these tragedies, there needs to be complete transparency in all instances of medical malpractice."

About The Black Box
The surgical tracking "black box" was created by Dr. Teodor Grantcharov of the University of Toronto. Similar to the same devices employed by airplanes in case of a crash, Grantcharov's box records and collects data that would help determine why mistakes were made during a surgery. It uses microphones and cameras to record every detail of the surgery, the movements of the surgeon, and the interactions and communication of the entire surgical staff. To date, the surgical "black box" has been used for 40 laparoscopic weight-loss procedures. Several hospitals in the United States have shown interest in using the device during surgeries (philly.com).

Sinicki's proposed legislation would name the law after Julie Ayer Ribenzer who lost her life during breast implant surgery due to anesthesia complications. It shares similarities with a proposed bill in New York called "Raina's Law." Raina Ferraro also died during surgery because of the negligence of the anesthesiologist. Raina's Law proposes that cameras should be allowed in operating rooms. If the bills are passed in Wisconsin and New York, it could set a nationwide precedent for recording surgeries to better protect patients from medical malpractice.

"The full disclosure of medical errors ultimately benefits both the medical industry and patients," says Prochaska. "With widespread instances of medical malpractice, there is public concern that the medical industry is not fully disclosing errors during surgery. Transparency allows patients to reclaim their lives after terrible injuries, while holding physicians more accountable and enforcing the medical industry's code of ethics."

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The Birth Trauma Litigation Group Presents Prochaska with the AAJ Dan Cullen Memorial Award for Representation of Brain Injured Children

Wichita, KS -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/25/2015 -- On July 12, 2015, Bradley J. Prochaska was presented with the American Association for Justice (AAJ) Dan Cullen Memorial Award by the Birth Trauma Litigation Group. Prochaska was selected as the 2015 AAJ Dan Cullen Award recipient due to his outstanding professional commitment and advocacy in helping injured children.

"I am honored to be recognized for the AAJ Dan Cullen Memorial Award," says Prochaska. "I have dedicated my life to helping injured children and their families recover from devastating injuries. For over 30 years, our firm has specialized in personalized care to help clients in medical malpractice claims and other case types. The AAJ Dan Cullen Memorial Award will further help in our mission to provide the best representation possible for injured children and their families."

The Birth Trauma Litigation Group (BTLG) is made up of 525 lawyers from across the U.S. who litigate cases involving brain damaged infants. The BTLG presents several seminars a year, in which prominent physician and attorney speakers educate the membership on how to successfully litigate these complex and catastrophic injury cases. Each year, the executive board of the BTLG bestows the AAJ Dan Cullen Award upon one attorney. In 2015, this honor was awarded to Prochaska for his unwavering service.

The AAJ, formerly the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, is the world's largest trial bar, which provides trial attorneys with information, professional support, and a nationwide network to assist them in providing clients with the best representation possible. The AAJ is dedicated to promoting a fair and effective justice system, while supporting attorneys who help victims of negligence and misconduct.

About Prochaska
Prochaska is the founding partner of Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska LLC in Wichita, Kansas. PHP Law Firm specializes in medical malpractice, wrongful death, auto accidents, trucking accidents, and personal injury. Prochaska is the former president of the Kansas Association for Justice, and a longstanding member of the Leaders Forum of the American Association for Justice. He was also the national co-chairman of the Birth Trauma Litigation Group, and is currently the national co-chairman of the Professional Negligence Group.

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Physicians Hiding Medical Errors to Protect Themselves From Malpractice Lawsuits

Wichita, KS -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/03/2015 -- There are over 1.5 million victims of medical malpractice each year in the United States, which results in almost 100,000 otherwise preventable deaths (Institute of Medicine). Despite the mandated ethical responsibility of physicians, medical errors that negatively affect patients are not being disclosed. This has resulted in a lack of transparency in medical malpractice cases, where physicians are more concerned with protecting themselves rather than the health and safety of victims.

"Patients have the right to be informed of health conditions under Section 8.12 of the American Medical Association's Code of Medical Ethics (AMA)," says Bradley J. Prochaska, medical malpractice attorney of Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska. "It states that physicians are ethically required to honestly disclose to the patient their medical status without any misleading information. Covering up medical mistakes is a direct violation of the medical industry's code of ethics."

Medical professionals who violate the AMA's code of ethics are putting their own interests above those of the patient. Fear of medical malpractice lawsuits is the main reason why physicians fail to fully disclose medical errors. Many physicians are afraid of negative publicity that can also result in the loss of their medical license or practice. To protect themselves, some physicians fail to completely disclose the error that led to these otherwise preventable injuries. This lack of transparency makes it more difficult for victims to receive fair compensation in a medical malpractice claim.

The lack of communication and training within the medical field itself has also contributed to the non-disclosure of medical errors. In a 2011 survey, 54.8 percent of the participating physicians knew how to report medical errors, while 39.5 percent knew what errors to report (American Medical News). Better communication, reporting, responsibility and accountability among medical professionals can help improve overall patient-centered care.

"Full disclosure of medical errors ultimately benefits both the medical industry and patients," says Prochaska. "Transparency in medical practice claims protects patients, and allows them to reclaim their lives after terrible injuries. Disclosure also holds physicians accountable, while enforcing the credibility of the medical industry's code of ethics. This promotes compassionate patient care, and creates a patient/caregiver system based on trust and open communication."

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Ruling Protects Victims from Restrictions on Medical Malpractice Settlements

Wichita, KS -- (ReleaseWire) -- 07/20/2015 -- The Florida Supreme Court overruled the decision of a lower court that attempted to retroactively cap the medical malpractice settlement of Miami-area resident, Kimberly Ann Miles. Instead of receiving a retroactively capped settlement of $500,000 due to a 2003 law, Miles was awarded $1.45 million in non-economic damages. The ruling of the Florida Supreme Court sets a nationwide precedent that says the retroactive application of a statute does not apply to medical malpractice.

"The ruling in Miles's case is a victory for all victims of medical malpractice," says Bradley J. Prochaska, medical malpractice attorney at Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska LLC. "It holds legislators and physicians responsible for their actions, while allowing victims to receive fair compensation after suffering life-changing injuries."

In January of 2003, Miles became the victim of medical malpractice after Dr. Daniel Weingrad performed an unnecessary second surgery while treating her skin cancer. The surgery resulted in the permanent damage of Miles's leg. She was originally awarded $1.5 million in a 2006 case; however, Dr. Weingrad appealed the settlement after citing a law passed by then-Governor Jeb Bush. On September 15, 2003, Bush signed a law that limited medical malpractice settlements to $500,000.

Even though Miles's operation occurred seven months before the law was enacted, the Miami-Dade County appeals court sided with Dr. Weingrad. The case was then taken to the Florida Supreme Court in 2013. Two years later, the Florida Supreme Court denied the state law's attempt to retroactively cap Miles's settlement. They determined that the Third District Court of Appeal misunderstood the "retroactive application of a statute" when it is applied to medical malpractice. The Florida Supreme Court based their ruling on a 2009 Fourth District Court of Appeal decision in Raphael v. Shecter that says, "the cause of action in a medical malpractice case accrues at the time the malpractice incident occurs."

Bush's 2003 law that attempts to force caps on medical malpractice lawsuits was a way to keep the malpractice insurance payments of doctors as low as possible. The reasoning of legislators argued that high malpractice insurance costs were causing doctors to leave Florida. However, the 2003 law has faced considerable opposition ever since it was enacted. In addition to the recent overruling of Miles's case, the Florida Supreme Court also removed all medical malpractice caps in wrongful death cases in March of 2014.

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Medical Professionals are Performing Plastic Surgeries Without Correct Training

Wichita, KS -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/28/2015 -- There has been a recent increase of unqualified physicians performing plastic surgery on patients. This alarming trend has grown so serious that the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has issued a warning regarding the failed procedures of unqualified surgeons. The ASPS states that only board certified plastic surgeons have the necessary qualifications and specialized skills to safely perform these surgeries. There has also been an increase of patients seeking board certified plastic surgeons to help repair the damage created by unqualified physicians.

"Many patients seek unqualified physicians for plastic surgery because their rates are much lower," says James Howell, medical malpractice attorney at Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska LLC. "Unfortunately, their rates are low for a reason. These physicians do not have the qualifications to perform these complex procedures. This can result in the patient developing severe health problems, critical injury, and even death. It's extremely important for patients to choose a plastic surgeon who is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)."

Despite the great risks involving unqualified physicians, there is currently no law preventing any doctor with a medical license from performing plastic surgery. The ASPS has labeled this disturbing trend as "white-coat deception." It describes the erroneous belief that a medical professional wearing a white coat is qualified to perform any type of surgery.

Plastic surgery is more popular than ever in the United States with 5.8 million procedures performed in 2014 alone. This was a 3 percent increase from the previous year (ASPS). The most popular types of procedures include liposuction, face lifts, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, and breast augmentation (ASPS). It takes highly specialized medical training and an eye for cosmetic aesthetics to safely perform these surgeries.

"Board certified plastic surgeons complete 6 years of residency as a surgeon," says Howell. "Two years of their residency is then dedicated completely to plastic surgery. This training teaches physicians how to safely treat patients, while also achieving the desired cosmetic result."

Patients electing to have plastic surgery should avoid any physician not certified by the ABPS. Certified physicians are listed on the board's official website. Patients should also not seek treatment from general M.D.s and surgeons who offer discount coupons for plastic surgery. Furthermore, it's important to read patient testimonials and investigate a physician's medical facilities before choosing a plastic surgeon.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Patients at Increased Risk for Delayed and Substandard Treatment

Wichita, KS -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/04/2015 -- There are an estimated 100,000 doctors and nurses in the United States who are suffering from addictions to prescription drugs (U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). This negligence in quality care has increased the risk of medical malpractice for patients. It has resulted in outbreaks of hepatitis infections, serious injury, and wrongful death.

"There are many reasons why medical professionals misuse prescription drugs," says Bradley J. Prochaska, medical malpractice attorney at Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska LLC. "Some turn to prescription drugs to self-medicate themselves, in order to cope with the pain and disappointment in their professional and personal lives. Because of their positions in the medical field, they have easy access to powerful prescription drugs."

Medical professionals are overworked, and experience high levels of stress and anxiety. Doctors during their residency also feel the pressures of paying their student loan debts. Many nurses suffer from fatigue and job dissatisfaction due to the short staffing of hospitals. A large number of these medical professionals turn to pain pills, alcohol, cocaine, codeine, oxycodone, fentanyl, and prescription drugs to cope with the demands of their job.

"Physicians who abuse drugs are at a higher risk for medical malpractice," says Prochaska. "Doctors and nurses are required to make life and death decisions. Those impaired by the influence of drugs are much more likely to provide delayed or substandard treatment, and misdiagnose symptoms. This negligence can result in patients falling victim to preventable permanent injury and death."

Stricter drug testing for physicians is an issue that continues to draw national attention in medical malpractice cases. However, there is currently no mandatory random drug testing policy for medical professionals. Instead of a state medical board, testing is administered by a physician's hospital or clinic. This conflict of interest has lead many concerned parties to call for stricter testing that holds medical professionals more accountable for their drug abuse.

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Wichita, KS -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/04/2015 -- California Proposition 46, the Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Cap and Drug Testing for Doctors Initiative, was defeated by voters in November of 2014. Prop. 46 would have increased California's medical malpractice damage cap of $250,000 to over $1 million. With the defeat of this initiative, future raises in medical malpractice compensation remains unclear. It not only affects patients in California, but the entire United States.

Lobbyists for doctors and the health care industry opposed the cap increase, and raised over $57 million to help defeat the initiative. One of the controversies surrounding Prop. 46 also involved the inclusion of random drug testing for doctors. Health professionals were opposed to facing higher insurance premiums, stricter drug testing, and a possible rise in medical malpractice lawsuits.

"Increasing the caps on medical malpractice settlements is about protecting patients," says Bradley J. Prochaska, medical malpractice attorney of Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska. "Many victims suffer deformity or lose mobility, which requires long-term care. Placing caps on medical malpractice settlements is putting a limit on their pain and suffering."

Raising the cap for settlements would also make it more economically feasible for attorneys to take on more medical malpractice cases. Prop. 46 was co-authored by Bob Pack after two of his children were killed by a driver addicted to prescription drugs. Pack was unable to find an attorney to take his case, however, due to the low caps placed on damages and the considerable resources needed to build a medical malpractice case.

"Victims of medical malpractice need a lot of help in their recovery," says Prochaska, "They suffer from intense physical trauma, emotional distress, loss of happiness, and dramatic changes in their quality of life. Increasing the caps placed on their settlements help victims and their families with medical bills, lost work wages, long-term disability care, and other expenses related to their injury."

About Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska LLC
Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska LLC works to build relationships with each and every client. Our attorneys in Wichita KS are committed to helping you recover physically and emotionally from a wide range of injuries. We will guide you through the complicated legal process, answer your questions, and work diligently to build an effective case to help win the compensation you need for a complete recovery.

Contact:
Christina Brown
cbrown@phpattorneys.com
Equity Bank Building
7701 E. Kellogg, Ste. 415
Wichita, KS 67207
316-683-9080

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Wichita, KS -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/19/2015 -- There is an increasing number of U.S. veterans who become victims of medical malpractice each year. In 2013, there was a total of $91.7 million in settlements paid to victims of veteran clinic medical malpractice, which was the highest total since 2001(Freedom of Information Act request).

Since 2003, over 3,000 veterans have been awarded $100 million in medical malpractice damages. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employs 19,000 doctors in 152 VA hospitals across the country. They treat over 22 million veterans a year. There were 5.6 million veterans treated in 2013 alone, which is a 32 percent increase since 2002. This is due to the growing number of military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. In the next four years, projected statistics estimate an additional 1.2 million soldiers will become veterans.

"Many veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and serious physical injuries that require highly specialized care. Wounded veterans in the 21st century are surviving injuries that would have killed soldiers in World War II and Vietnam," says Bradley J. Prochaska, medical malpractice attorney of Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska. "When VA hospitals become overwhelmed with patients, then medical malpractice can occur."

There are a growing number of cases where veterans are victimized by missed diagnoses, and delayed treatment and procedures. Instances of veteran medical malpractice include a recent outbreak of Legionnaires' disease, exposure to HIV, sterilization malpractice, and fatalities. There was even a case where a 20-year-old Marine Corps veteran was paralyzed during a routine dental procedure.

Members of Congress have cited the lack of accountability for VA doctors as a reason for the increase in malpractice cases. There is also little incentive for VA hospitals to reduce medical malpractice occurrences. This is due to the fact that settlements are not paid directly by the VA hospital. They are instead taken from the Treasury budget, which is paid for by taxpayers.

"Medical malpractice cases involving VA hospitals are slightly more complicated than those in the public sector," says Prochaska. "The lawsuit isn't against the VA doctor, but against the agency itself. Settlements are also determined by the age of the victim. Younger patients with a longer lifespan ahead of them, usually receive higher settlements."

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Wichita, KS -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/22/2015 -- The disturbing trend of medical professionals using cell phones and other mobile devices while working has lead to a deterioration in patient care. There have been many instances where medical malpractice was caused by physicians making phone calls, texting, and/or using social media while administering care to patients.

"Modern medicine is driven by data, so hospitals actually encourage the use of technology and hand-held devices," says Bradley J. Prochaska, medical malpractice attorney of Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska. "Unfortunately, most of the devices are personal iPhones or tablets, so physicians are also receiving personal messages. In matters of life and death these distractions can have serious consequences."

The instances where the computer screen comes between doctor and patient has been referred to as "distracted doctoring." In a study published in 2010, over 50 percent of the surveyed medical technicians who operate heart-lung machines admitted to using their cell phones while working. Fifty-percent also confessed to texting during procedures, while another 20 percent read non-work related emails.

"Time is of the essence for patients in surgery or who need critical care. They need to be monitored at all times," says Prochaska. "After a few minutes without oxygen the brain starts to die. This can be missed while a physician is reading a text, ebook, or Facebook message."

A woman died in Texas during a routine cardiac procedure, because her anesthesiologist had been texting, reading ebooks, and looking at websites. As a result, he missed monitoring her vital signs. Another medical malpractice case involved the paralysis of a patient during an operation. His neurosurgeon was making personal phone calls throughout the entire procedure.

"Doctors defend their use of handheld devices, but far too many are used for personal communication," says Prochaska. "The Hippocratic Oath states that a physician must be mentally present during patient care. However, electronic devices distract them from their jobs, which is saving lives."

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Wichita, KS -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/07/2015 -- There has been a correlation between doctors frustrated with their profession and the deterioration of patient care. Overworked and unhappy doctors are more likely to make medical errors. This can lead to the rise in higher incidents of medical malpractice. Doctor enthusiasm has declined because of the limited time they are allowed with patients, understaffing, and dissatisfaction in salary.

"Doctors who are suffering from exhaustion, or are in a hurry, are more likely to make mistakes in patient treatment," says Bradley J. Prochaska, medical malpractice attorney at Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska LLC. "Advancements in medical technology have also resulted in more preventative treatment options that require additional time to monitor."

There is a great need for primary care physicians, but not enough doctors to fill these positions. A growing number of doctors are leaving the medical field because of discontentment. There are also fewer medical students choosing primary care or family practice. More doctors are opting instead for specialized fields such as cardiology.

"There are more patients than there are qualified doctors to provide care," says Prochaska. "A large number of Baby Boomers are turning 65 every year and they need primary care. There are also a large number of new patients who need treatment because of the Affordable Care Act. When fewer doctors are forced to treat more patients, physicians become overworked and unhappy."

When doctors are overworked it can result in a depersonalization of patient care. Doctors who are discontent are less attentive to patients, and can become insensitive in their personal interactions. The level of patient care is not being met, which can also result in possible medical malpractice.

"Doctors are frustrated, but it is the patients who ultimately suffer," says Prochaska. "There needs to be changes in the medical field to better help doctors. However, physicians also need to take responsibility and better assist the needs of their patients."

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Wichita, KS -- (ReleaseWire) -- 12/23/2014 -- Hospitals have been short-staffing their nurses for monetary budget reasons, which has had a negative impact on the quality of care administered to patients. Studies published by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) have shown a correlation between short-staffing of nurses and higher rates of poor health results for patients.

"The nursing staff is usually the first to be down-sized during budget cuts," says Bradley J. Prochaska, medical malpractice attorney of Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska LLC. "There has been an overall increase in the number of patients who need care, but there are not enough qualified Registered Nurses (RNs) and/or available nursing positions to fill this growing need."

RNs are responsible for medications, intravenous medication administration, patient care plans, and supervising Licensed Practical Nurses. When RNs are forced to treat more patients because of budget cuts, then it is the patients who suffer the most.

The nurse to patient ratio in hospitals is on average 4:1, which gives RNs enough time to adequately care for patients. After hospital budget cuts, however, the nurse to patient ratio usually falls to 8:1 or 9:1.

"Patients in understaffed hospitals are getting minimum care and/or low quality care," says Prochaska. "There is a regression in the health of patients because they are being neglected. Rates of pneumonia and mortality rise when nurses are unable to treat patients adequately on a consistent basis."

Statistics published by AHRQ show that if the nurse per patient ratio was increased by 25 percent, then it would mean a 20 percent decrease in patient mortality each month.

Overworked nurses experience physical, emotional and mental fatigue, which also affects the quality of patient care. Due to the overwhelming workload, many qualified nurses leave the medical field after experiencing "burn out." This results in more unqualified nurses taking positions otherwise filled by RNs.

"When hospitals cut their nursing staffs, they sacrifice long-term success for a short-term monetary gain," says Prochaska. "This failure not only results in the deterioration of patients' health and the overall dissatisfaction of the nursing staff, but also potential medical malpractice claims against the hospital."

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm