ED Legal Letter
RSSArticles
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Apology Laws: Better Read the Fine Print
Not all apologies are equal. Many statutes don't offer protection from admission of fault and are merely expressions of sympathy.
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Patient ‘Bounced Back’ to Your ED? It’s an Opportunity to Stop Bad Outcome, Lawsuit
A dismissive attitude could cause an EP to miss a life-threatening condition in a patient who returns to the ED.
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What Did Transferring EP Tell Receiving EP? If Bad Outcome Occurs, Stories May Differ
Finger-pointing between transferring and receiving EPs benefits only the plaintiff’s attorney.
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Is ED Discharge Followed by Sudden Death? Plaintiff’s Attorneys Will Be Interested
Of 47 unexpected deaths following hospital admission from the ED, half were preventable, according to a recent study.
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Did Patient Deteriorate After Discharge? Suit May Allege Failure to Get a Consult
EPs should be particularly mindful of the timeline from arrival to diagnosis.
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This Documentation in ED Chart Got EP Dismissed from Med/Mal Suit
Excellent documentation of a telephone consultation with a specialist was a key factor in an EP defendant’s dismissal from a recent malpractice case.
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Negligent Supervision Becomes the Case
There is an uptick in claims involving patients seen by advance practice providers instead of EPs.
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Don’t Assume AMA Form Will Get EP Off the Hook Legally
It’s a process, not a form.
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EPs Face Some Significant Legal Risks with Opioid Prescriptions
Several cases of well-intentioned EPs prescribing long-acting opioids have led to poor outcomes, including death and malpractice lawsuits.
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Were Staff Unfamiliar with ED Policies?
It’s a “free shot” for plaintiff attorney.