Are your patients up to date on their routine shots?
The state’s vaccine database, Louisiana Immunization Network (LINKS), is a tool that helps providers ensure kids are healthy and have received all recommended age- appropriate vaccines. The utilization of LINKS reduces the risk of vaccine-preventable illnesses resulting in major outbreaks. Entering all of your patients’ vaccination records in LINKS is not only a legal requirement in Louisiana, it also helps prevent diseases from spreading in our communities. The Louisiana Department of Health Immunization Program reminds all providers that all vaccinations must be entered into LINKS within one week after administration.
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS RESOURCES FROM LAMMICO While everyone should be concerned and plan for hurricanes and weather events, that concern is even more significant for those in the Gulf South region. In the event of a hurricane or weather event, a good disaster preparedness plan is essential to ensure continued medical care for patients by ensuring that a functioning practice still exists after the event. There is a real possibility of medical practice closure without recovery protocols and procedures, i.e., disaster preparedness planning. Now is the time to review your preparedness situation. If you have no plans, begin the process now, and if you do have a plan, review the contents, including vital staff training, and update if needed. To learn more about several essential types of planning and considerations for operations before and after weather events, read LAMMICO’s news article, “Hurricane Preparedness in 2023,” at lammico.com/article/hurricane-prep-2023 . In the midst of yet another hurricane season, LAMMICO reminds policyholders of resources available to help you prepare in the event of a weather emergency to limit disruption to your practice. LAMMICO policyholders can access a complimentary Hurricane Preparedness Manual for Medical Practices by logging into lammico.com as a Member. Encourage practice staff to download a copy for helpful tools such as checklists and emergency tips unique to medical practices. The guide is available in the “Risk Management - Reference Manuals” section in the right-hand navigation of the Member homepage. For more information, please contact the LAMMICO Risk Management and Patient Safety Department at 504.841.5211. This article contains excerpts written by Kenneth E. Rhea, M.D., FASHRM, LAMMICO Risk Management & Patient Safety Consultant.
For more information about vaccine reporting, visit LaLINKS.org
PAGE 14
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software