UMHS Chief Risk Officer named ‘leader in the law’

Chief risk officer awarded for contribution to field of in-house law, has received national attention for his innovative approach to malpractice claims and patient safety
UMHS Chief Risk Officer named ‘leader in the law’

ANN ARBOR, Mich – Rick Boothman, J.D., Chief Risk Officer at the University of Michigan Health System, will be recognized this month with the designation as one of the In-House Leaders in the Law by Midwest In-House and Michigan Lawyers Weekly.

Boothman, one of 20 honorees selected for the award, has worked extensively with members of Congress, state governments, the medical and legal communities to advise on new approaches to patient injuries, malpractice claims and laws.

In his role at UMHS, Boothman has emphasized the importance of learning from past patient injuries and complaints from across the Health System. Boothman advocates a principled and honest approach to patient injuries and patient safety and has promoted improvements in communication between caregivers and patients.

“It is very gratifying to have our efforts draw attention and appreciation from my own profession,” Boothman said. His approach to malpractice claims and patient safety has already drawn acclaim from national experts and media.

“The award itself is very insightful. The work that in-house lawyers do is subtle and by nature, usually pretty private. Singling out in-house lawyers requires a thoughtful appreciation of the way that good in-house lawyers influence the culture and ethics of the organizations they serve,” Boothman said.

The In-House Leaders in the Law award was created to recognize outstanding work by lawyers that work exclusively for one particular company or organization. Individuals must be nominated by colleagues, clients or other legal professionals familiar with their work, and then selected by a panel of judges composed of their peers.

This is the first annual presentation of the award. The ceremony will be held April 24 at Laurel Manor in Livonia.

Boothman has been with UMHS since 2001, where he first served as assistant general counsel. In 2004, he was appointed chief risk officer. Prior to his work with UMHS, Boothman was a trial lawyer in private practice for 22 years.

For more information about UMHS medical malpractice policy and patient safety initiatives, visit our Web site.

Written by: Milly Dick