Chubb Advisory Provides Healthcare Organizations with Risk-Mitigation Measures to Avoid Violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act

PHILADELPHIA, April 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- While a 2015 Federal Communications Commission ruling on the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) created qualified exemptions for certain healthcare communications, providers are still at risk as TCPA claims and settlements rise rapidly, according to a new Chubb advisory.

TCPA, a federal law that limits unsolicited automatic telephone calls and text messages to residential and wireless numbers by businesses, applies to healthcare providers when they communicate with patients and other customers.

Co-authored by two Chubb executives, the advisory, "TCPA Violations: Risk Avoidance Strategies for Healthcare Entities and Providers":

• Provides an overview of TCPA;
• examines the most relevant implications of the 2015 ruling, including seven healthcare exemptions;
• reviews potential consequences, including fines and current litigation; and
• outlines risk management strategies for healthcare organizations to improve their compliance with the law's provisions.

"Healthcare providers such as hospitals, clinics and pharmacies need to communicate with many patients in the most efficient way possible," said Diane Doherty, Vice President, Chubb Healthcare, who co-wrote the advisory with Aaron Turner, Vice President, Chubb Healthcare. "The 2015 ruling provided much-needed clarification for healthcare organizations. However, these entities must comply with the entire exemption to protect patients and their reputations, or they are at risk of facing potentially catastrophic penalties and lawsuits."

The advisory can be read here.

About Chubb

Chubb is the world's largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. With operations in 54 countries, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. The company is distinguished by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength, underwriting excellence, superior claims handling expertise and local operations globally.  Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index.  Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London and other locations, and employs approximately 30,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: new.chubb.com.

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SOURCE Chubb