Articles Tagged With: Documentation
-
Lack of EP Evaluation of Chest Pain Can Lead to Disaster
If an emergency physician never evaluates such a patient, leaving the care solely to a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner, this could lay the foundation for litigation.
-
Legal Implications if Adolescents Seek Confidential Care
Generally, emergency clinicians are required to obtain parental consent for care provided to minors. However, there can be exceptions if the minor is seeking treatment for sexually transmitted infections, mental health, substance use disorders, sexual assault, or pregnancy. Several federal and state laws apply. Healthcare professionals are advised to be aware of the laws where they practice.
-
Obstacles to ED Admission Cause Legal Problems
When faced with this tricky situation, emergency physicians should carefully document discussions and remember they are responsible for clearly communicating about the patient’s condition, test results, and indication for admission.
-
Documentation Mistakes Lead to Significant Malpractice Awards
Ensure charts are generated honestly, and check to make sure key care decisions are carefully documented regarding consent.
-
Legally Protective Charting Sticks to the Facts
Charts containing emotional statements, accusations, and speculations might be compelling reading, but they are legally problematic.
-
Legally Protective Charting Sticks to the Facts
Charts containing emotional statements, accusations, and speculations might be compelling reading, but they are legally problematic.
-
Documentation Mistakes Lead to Significant Malpractice Awards
Ensure charts are generated honestly, and check to make sure key care decisions are carefully documented regarding consent.
-
EP Could Be Deposed if Patient Was Misdiagnosed at Another ED
Beware making well-meaning statements or criticizing other clinicians in front of patients.
-
When ED Providers Overlook Information Conveyed by EMS
The emergency physician and ED nurse should take the report together when EMS arrives. Listen to what EMS found at the scene, what they did in terms of treatment, and what the response to that treatment was. Together, decide on the next steps.
-
Family Violence Implicated in Injury-Related ED Visits
ED-based efforts to screen and intervene can be critical to preventing future violence. This is important not only for family and peer violence, but also for contributory factors — mainly, access to alcohol, drugs, and weapons. In addition to obtaining thorough patient and family interviews, using standardized instruments to screen for these factors can help identify youth at risk, and link them to appropriate interventions and care.