Annie Howard assists hospitals, health systems, and other healthcare providers in risk management, quality improvement, operational, and safety and security issues.
Annie frequently works with providers to build, operate, and implement federally certified Patient Safety Organizations (PSOs). She stays up to date with litigation, regulations, and other guidance concerning the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005 and how this affects her clients at a local and national level. In her words, “PSOs offer an opportunity that really cannot be found elsewhere. The ability to create and utilize confidential and privileged Patient Safety Work Product in a secure environment to improve patient care and quality is almost unmatched as far as quality improvement efforts go.” She frequently advises providers on quality improvement issues so they can maximize available protections while working to improve the quality of care provided.
Annie also works with providers on many other risk management and other operational needs. She is well versed in reporting obligations and assists providers through the process when needs arise. She has worked with providers to develop programs and policies to improve efficiency on a variety of risk management issues – including safety, security, workplace violence prevention, crisis management, adoption, and patient privacy to name a few. She appreciates that the nature of the healthcare industry means clients’ needs are always evolving, but she believes being prepared in advance with practical and realistic strategies go a long way to triage unexpected issues when they arise.
As an experienced negotiator and litigator, Annie has defended medical malpractice cases through every state, up to and including through jury trial. “Sometimes litigation is inevitable, but other times, issues can be resolved in a more creative way, and to the benefit of all involved.” Annie works with her clients to investigate a potential issue in advance of formal litigation when possible to identify potential solutions and strategies. She has experience in alternative dispute forums, such as mediation and arbitration, and believes there is really no one-size-fits all when it comes to resolving healthcare disputes and claims.
“I’ve learned over the years that serving healthcare providers is not unlike their own care for their patients. Every patient and every client are different, and the best treatment plans are the ones uniquely tailored to the specific needs and circumstances at issue.”
ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, B.A.
University of Tennessee College of Law, J.D.
ADMITTED TO PRACTICE
Arkansas
North Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Full Bio