Counselors and other healthcare providers are dealing with a potential increase of liability with telehealth but it does not have to be so with the increase of technology and other data collection.  With more information, telehealth can still be effective and reduce liability, especially in cases of suicide.

The article, “Suicide and the malpractice myth” by Matt Miclette looks at telehealth and how technology can reduce liability.  He states,

“Despite fears that remote health assessment and diagnostic tools will increase medical malpractice liability — particularly in cases of suicide ideation — the adoption and implementation of a new generation of remote assessment and treatment plans during the pandemic are not only bridging the mental health care gap in formerly underserved communities across the U.S. — it’s lowering clinicians’ exposure to civil liability.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Legal Nurse Training program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified nurses seeking a four certification in Legal Nursing.

With the emergence of new technologies such as telehealth, many great new advantages come, but also chances for medical malpractice.  It is important for primary healthcare givers to understand the advantages and disadvantages of telehealth and what can go wrong and how to protect oneself.

The article, “6 things to know about telehealth medical malpractice concerns” by Jackie Drees looks at the some of the issues and problems that can arise from telehealth and what can possibly lead to malpractice.  She states,

“Telehealth adoption has accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, signaling the need for providers to examine their malpractice risks associated with virtual care. In a Sept. 29 op-ed for Bloomberg Law, Lindsay Lowe, a public health and healthcare law attorney at Wolfe Pincavage law firm in Miami, outlined potential medical malpractice concerns providers should be aware of when delivering telehealth services.”

With online breaches, poor connection, miscommunication or lack of proper observation due to technical limitations, it is important to work with clients and let them understand the potential issues with telehealth despite the advantages.  To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Legal Nurse Consulting Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals

Medication error is a type of medical malpractice.  It occurs when the improper medication, dose, or time when a medication is prescribed.  It can be due to scripts with bad handwriting, overworked staff, the pharmacist, or even a nurse. Ultimately, it will usually fall on the shoulders of the doctor.  Communication is key in preventing this type of possible malpractice suite and death or injury to a patient.

The article, ”

Medical Malpractice: How Medication Errors Can Be Devastating” by Dr Sonya Sherpa looks at the this type of medical malpractice in detail.  She offers a wide range of ways to prevent it as well.  She states,

“There is no one single step to reducing medication errors, in fact, the entire healthcare staff and administration need to work together to reduce these errors, by hiring more staff, reducing the numerous responsibilities of one single doctor, and better communication. Communication is key.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Legal Nurse Consulting Program.  The program is online and independent study that leads to a four year certification.  Qualified nurses can apply and earn this certification