CME Central:
TNP Introduces Free Online CME Activities for Neurologists

The Neurologists’ Program proudly introduces CME Central! Neurologists can access continuing medical education courses (and earn CME credit hours) through the TNP website. We know how important liability issues are to time-strapped physicians, so we strived to make these courses as convenient as possible: they’re free, they’re created exclusively for neurologists, and they’re accessible any time of day.

CME Central is available to all neurologists, not just those with TNP coverage. TNP coverage offers additional perks, however: If you are insured with TNP or if you later switch to TNP, you may be eligible for a 10% premium discount* after completing CME Central courses. Those with coverage with TNP also have exclusive access to a wide variety of online tutorials, articles and resources.

Currently, CME Central offers the following two activities to all neurologists:

“Off-Label Prescribing and Professional Liability Risk”
Authors: Jacqueline Melonas, RN, MS, JD, and Harland Westgate, JD

In neurology, as in nearly all medical fields, off-label prescribing remains a hot topic, if a common practice. Whether neurologists prescribe off-label treatments that have been recognized for decades or are just now emerging knowledge of the liability issues involved in this prescribing is critical. According to Harland Westgate, JD, risk manager and co-author of this CME activity, the information in this course is essential for practicing neurologists: “It is important for neurologists to understand what it does and does not mean to say that a prescription or treatment is ‘off-label,’ both so that they may understand the true risks and how to manage them, and also so that they can communicate with their patients to address any concerns or misconceptions patients may have,” said Mr. Westgate. “This tutorial is intended to give neurologists the tools they need to effectively manage the risks associated with off-label prescribing.”

“Forensic Activities: Increased Scrutiny, Increased Liability”
Author: Donna Vanderpool, MBA, JD 

In this CME activity, Assistant Vice President of Risk Management Donna Vanderpool, MBA, JD, reviews essential legal lessons as they apply to neurologists. In particular, Ms. Vanderpool reviews recent judgments and laws as they apply to neurologists performing Independent Medical Evaluations and providing expert witness testimony.

Ms Vanderpool believes this tutorial holds pertinent and timely information for neurologists: “Many neurologists erroneously believe that since there is no physician-patient treatment relationship in forensic activities, there can be no liability for forensic activities,” said Ms. Vanderpool. “In reality, courts are increasingly holding that physicians who perform Independent Medical Evaluations owe certain basic duties to the evaluee and liable for breach of these duties.  And, scrutiny of neurologists providing expert witness services is also increasing, as more and more professional associations are receiving and reviewing complaints about members' expert testimony.  Neurologists need to be aware of this increasing professional liability exposure for forensic activities and learn the risk management strategies to minimize the liability risk.”

CME Central’s activities have been authored by the risk management staff of TNP, a group of experienced professionals with legal and clinical backgrounds. This expertise allows them to understand both the clinical situation and also the legal issues and implications as they apply to neurologists. This risk management team also offers many other services to TNP insureds: a toll-free risk management consultation helpline, alerts and advisories, and an online library – all valuable risk management tools..

To take advantage of these complimentary CME activities, please visit CME Central.

If you are interested in learning more about TNP, please visit our Risk Management page or access our Features and Benefits. You may also submit an Online Information Request for more information. To apply for TNP coverage, please click here.

* May vary by state.