Outside Counsel Can Be the Right Choice, but Know When

Outside counsel can be an important resource for hospitals and health systems, but knowing when it is right to bring in someone can be difficult.

Establish Expectations, Communication With Outside Counsel

A hospital is best served when in-house counsel work closely with outside counsel. In-house counsel can provide background information and assistance, as they are the most knowledgeable about the hospital’s structure, policies and procedures, culture, and personalities.

FTC Investigations Could Bring Unwanted Scrutiny to Hospitals

The Federal Trade Commission is investigating whether hospitals and health systems violated antitrust laws through contracts with payers. Assess your risk before the government investigates.

Pediatric Safety Still Threatened by Electronic Health Records

Pediatric patients are at risk from electronic health records that do not adequately factor in their needs. Medication dosing is the biggest threat.

Emergency Preparedness Pays Off When Water Supply Lost

A Utah health system confirmed the value of emergency preparedness when it was faced with a severe water shortage after a wildfire.

Improper Medication Leads to Patient’s Death, $10 Million Verdict

In this case, both parties relied heavily on expert opinions to attempt to prove or disprove the causal link between the course of treatment chosen and the onset of the ischemic colitis that led to the patient’s death.

Nonoperating Physician Found Exempt From Liability

This matter provides several insights as to the duty of care in medical malpractice suits, the legal relationships among physicians working within the same practice or at the same facility, the respective burdens of proof, and the roles of expert opinion testimony.