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Study: Opioid-Related Deaths Cut by 25% in Medical Marijuana States

Medical Marijuana InsuranceOpioid-Related Deaths Cut by 25% in Medical Marijuana States according to a new multi-institutional study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine and led by researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, which examined the rate of deaths caused by opioid overdoses between 1999 and 2010. Results reveal that on average, the 13 states allowing the use of medical marijuana had a 24.8 percent lower annual opioid overdose mortality rate after the laws were enacted than states without the laws, indicating that the alternative treatment may be safer for patients suffering from chronic pain related to cancer and other conditions.

Opioid analgesics, such as OxyContin, Percocet and Vicodin, are prescribed for moderate to severe pain, and work by suppressing a person’s perception of pain. Approximately 60 percent of all deaths resulting from opioid analgesic overdoses occur in patients who have legitimate prescriptions. Additionally, the proportion of patients in the United States who are prescribed opioids for non-cancer pain has almost doubled over the past decade, indicating the need to do a more focused examination on the safety and efficacy of these and other treatment options. In states allowing the use of medical cannabis, the drugs may be prescribed as an alternative to opioids.
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Report: New Emerging Risks

Report New Emerging RisksSwiss Re has released a report – ”New emerging risk insights,” which is based on the reinsurer’s SONAR process, described as a “unique tool which uses Swiss Re’s internal risk management expertise to observe and evaluate new and emerging risks.”

Some of the other emerging risks examined in the SONAR report includes the following:

  • Cloud computing security
  • Contagious emerging market crisis
  • Eurozone crisis leading to deflation
  • Short-termism of macro-policy measures
  • Air pollution as mortality driver
  • Concussion crisis in sports
  • Democratisation of genetic testing
  • Digital slander
  • E-cigarettes
  • Financial consumer protection regulation
  • From closed to open business models
  • Food and water safety: trade-offs with growthRead More »Report: New Emerging Risks

Top 10 States and Cities for Job Growth

According to Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business that provides rankings and analysis of the winners and losers based on the latest figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – overall, 12 states showed job growth of at least two percent last year, the same pace as in 2012. The number of jobs added nationwide last year was 2.26 million. Final, revised numbers on state and city job growth for the year 2013 shows top 10 states for non-agricultural job growth, comparing 2013 to 2012:

1. North Dakota – up 3.6%
2. Utah – up 3.2%
3. California – up 3%
4, 5. Texas and Colorado– 2.9%
6. Nevada – up 2.7%
7. Idaho – up 2.6%
8. Florida – up 2.5%
9. Washington – up 2.2%
10. Arizona – up 2.1%Read More »Top 10 States and Cities for Job Growth

Coverage options for your barber and beauty business

Beauty Salon Parlor InsuranceCoverage for barber and beauticians professional liability is automatically included for your “employees” under the commercial general liability coverage form. We have the ability to provide professional liability coverage for barbers and beauticians that are independent contractors – this optional coverage is available for $25 per independent operator under the Additional Insured-Independent Operators form -CG T567 (11-03).

The form does require each operator be scheduled. For additional information, contact us via email or call 877-239-0067

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How to Prepare Your Home Before Your Vacation

Vacation is a time to escape for a little rest and relaxation, but it’s also the time thieves increasingly break into empty homes. According to recent claims data from insurance company Travelers, theft increases during the summer months largely because more people are away. But it’s not only criminals you have to worry about while you are kicking back, you also have to be concerned about…
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FEMA National Preparedness Report 2013

Presidential Policy Directive 8: National Preparedness, requires an annual National Preparedness Report (NPR) that summarizes national progress in building, sustaining and delivering the 31 core capabilities outlined in the National Preparedness Goal. The 2012 NPR highlighted preparedness accomplishments in the decade since the September 11, 2001 attacks and the 2013 NPR focuses on accomplishments either achieved or reported on during 2012. The 2013 NPR presents an opportunity to reflect on the progress that whole community partners—including all levels of government, private and nonprofit sectors, faith-based organizations, communities and individuals—have made in strengthening national preparedness and to identify where preparedness gaps… Read More »FEMA National Preparedness Report 2013

Patient Safety is Top Concern for Hospital Leaders

The lack of teamwork combined with a negative culture and poor communication in hospitals today presents a barrier when it comes to patient safety in the future, according to a new survey. The survey results revealed a tension between what hospital leaders perceive as their number one priority in 2013, patient safety (64% C-Suite and 62% risk managers), and their number one threat, failing to maximize financial sustainability (60% C-Suite and 62% Risk Managers). The survey, commissioned by American International Group (AIG) in consultation with patient safety expert, Dr. Marty Makary, MD, MPH, found that while nearly all respondents (96%… Read More »Patient Safety is Top Concern for Hospital Leaders

100-Car Naturalistic Driving

A 100-car “naturalistic” driving study conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) says that fatigue is a cause of 20% of car crashes, rather than the 2%-3% previously estimated based on surveys, simulator studies and test tracks. Plus, the study found, 18- to 20-year-olds account for significantly more fatigue-related crashes than any other age group. Adolescents’ sleep patterns shift to later hours; however, the school day still tends to start early, resulting in daytime sleepiness. Older drivers can face similar issues with late nights and early work times, but have more experience coping with moderate fatigue – although, not… Read More »100-Car Naturalistic Driving

Workers Comp. Requirements in North Carolina

Workers’ compensation insurance is required in all 50 states, and North Carolina law requires businesses with three or more employees to buy insurance to cover expenses related to workplace injuries. The North Carolina Industrial Commission is tasked with administering the Workers’ Compensation Act. Despite the statutory requirements, an April 2012 Raleigh News & Observer investigation revealed that at least 30,000 North Carolina businesses are not providing the required workers’ comp coverage required. Employee misclassification and the misuse of workers’ comp ghost policies have become topics of concern among state regulators, government officials, the business community and the public. So-called “ghost” policies are… Read More »Workers Comp. Requirements in North Carolina

Traveling Tips for the Holiday Season

The holiday season is probably one of the busiest for the majority of us, for many reasons. Add any holiday travel plans into the mix and stress levels can begin to rise. With stricter security guidelines and long lines, it’s easy to focus merely on making it to your destination. However, this time of year is also busy for thieves who will often seize opportunities when the unsuspecting victim is distracted or otherwise unaware of his or her surroundings. Stay vigilant this year when traveling for the holidays by using the tips below, and ensure your holidays stay as they… Read More »Traveling Tips for the Holiday Season