ED Legal Letter – February 1, 2016
February 1, 2016
View Issues
-
Did Your ED Examine a Mass Shooter?
Lawsuit could allege inadequate evaluation; EPs could be liable for violent acts of patients.
-
Psych Patients Held in ED for Days Create Legal Risks for EPs
Some patients discharged without evaluation.
-
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.
-
Complacency Is Risky for Frequent ED Users with Psychiatric History
Assumptions of “same old” symptoms are dangerous.
-
EPs Often Unaware of Psychiatric Patients’ EMTALA Risks
Screening must cover both medical and mental health.