Effective Crisis Communications for Healthcare Executives

From sexual misconduct, accusations of fiscal mismanagement, labor issues, management/ownership changes and board-management disputes to the loss of a star rating, thefts, quality-control issues, cyberattacks and active shooter situations, we live in a 24-minute news cycle, where everyone is instantly capable of posting their problem or complaint directly to social media. “Crisis communications” is very different from the practice of “public relations” and attorney-directed “damage control.” This seminar will give you practical and actionable tools you can use when it hits the fan – because controversies today are tried in the Court of Public Opinion more often than in the Court of Law and “We’ll wing it” isn’t a plan.

The skills CEOs, executive directors, managers and their attorneys need to protect their reputations aren't covered by adding MHA, MBA, JD, CALA, CNHA, or FACHE to their resumes. While PR professionals, especially those with journalism backgrounds, are competent, crisis communications require specialized strategies. When a crisis hits, attorneys often advise "no comment," which can make things worse. This seminar teaches a strategic and practical approach to communicating during crises, enabling adult care executives and their attorneys to effectively handle media onslaughts as well as outrage from families, community members and elected officials. It also differentiates between crises and issues, offering best practices to manage situations like layoffs, program closures and executive changes before they escalate.