Articles related to LEGAL MATTERS

A patient requests a letter from the psychiatrist advocating for a service animal or an emotional support animal. What is the distinction between them? What is the psychiatrist’s responsibility when such a request is made?

An appeals court determined that in this instance, Dr. K had a physician-patient relationship with the patient, based on the phone call between Dr. K and the patient’s doctor. “A doctor who gives an informal opinion at the request of a treating physician does not owe a duty of care to the patient whose case was discussed.” The court held that wasn’t the case in this instance. See why in the linked article.

The Wisconsin State Supreme Court has taken on a case that will rule on a patient’s autonomy vs. a hospital’s duty to refuse to provide care it considers below its accepted standard of care.

Who is at fault when the patient is injured when only partially following the doctor’s orders regarding limiting activity? The doctor hadn’t discussed all the potential adverse effects (e.g. dizziness and fainting) from medical therapy but had warned the patient to strictly moderate their activity level. Read the case and the court ruling.

This brief editorial introduces a series of articles describing the medical use of hallucinogens, ketamine, marijuana, and other agents — including the legal and ethical perspectives — in the treatment of various neurologic and psychiatric disorders.

Suit for failure to refer is a common source of malpractice claims for primary care physicians. The GP is responsible for knowing enough to know when referral to a specialist is in the patient’s best interest.