ED Legal Letter – February 1, 2016

February 1, 2016

• Did Your ED Examine a Mass Shooter?

  Lawsuit could allege inadequate evaluation; EPs could be liable for violent acts of patients.

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• Psych Patients Held in ED for Days Create Legal Risks for EPs

  Some patients discharged without evaluation.

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• Assuming Patient’s Symptoms ‘Just Psychiatric’ Is Legally Risky

  EPs sometimes assume that delusions, hallucinations, agitation, and other psychiatric complaints are due to a psychiatric illness without performing a complete history and physical examination.

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• Complacency Is Risky for Frequent ED Users with Psychiatric History

  Assumptions of “same old” symptoms are dangerous.

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• EPs Often Unaware of Psychiatric Patients’ EMTALA Risks

  Screening must cover both medical and mental health.

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