Reducing Advanced Practice Provider Risk

This technical report analyzes medical professional liability claims involving advanced practice providers (APPs), specifically nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs). It identifies diagnostic errors as the most frequent and costly allegations against APPs. The report outlines various vulnerabilities related to team dynamics, including insufficient mentoring, communication breakdowns, and administrative issues stemming from unclear roles and lack of oversight. The analysis reveals that 64% of all claims are linked to clinical judgment, while 87% of APP-related claims are attributed to team-related vulnerabilities. The report also presents recommendations for enhancing APP roles and mitigating risks, such as improving communication, evaluating APP credentials, and fostering a collaborative culture within healthcare teams. By addressing these contributing factors, healthcare organizations can implement risk mitigation strategies to reduce the incidence of harm events associated with APPs.