Medicolegal Issues
Evidence-Based Reviews
Honor thy parents? Understanding parricide and associated spree killings
Knowing which factors are common among perpetrators could assist in prevention.
Evidence-Based Reviews
Service animals and emotional support animals: Should you write that letter?
Understand the ramifications before advocating for patients to have such animals
For centuries, animals, especially dogs, have assisted...
Evidence-Based Reviews
Confidentiality and privilege: What you don’t know can hurt you
Understand the exception in divorce and child custody cases and inform patients accordingly.
Evidence-Based Reviews
Avoiding malpractice while treating depression in pregnant women
Consider the risks of untreated mental illness as well as the risks of antidepressant exposure.
Commentary
Liability protection when practicing during a disaster: How the laws work
What you need to understand before offering to provide services during a disaster.
Pearls
Metadata, malpractice claims, and making changes to the EHR
Because we cannot change metadata, guidance on making corrections in EHR documentation can help to minimize liability in medical malpractice cases...
Evidence-Based Reviews
Using seclusion to prevent COVID-19 transmission on inpatient psychiatry units
Ethical factors guide seclusion of patients who test positive for COVID-19 or refuse testing.
Pearls
Legal concerns after a patient suicide
We offer guidance on how to cope with a patient's completed suicide, and specifically address the legal concerns.
Pearls
Off-label prescribing: How to limit your liability
A step-by-step approach for helping to reduce your liability risk in off-label prescribing.
Reviews
Does your patient have the right to refuse medications?
A brief guide to the legal aspects of administering involuntary medications.
Pearls
Called to court? Tips for testifying
As a psychiatrist, you could be called to court to testify as a fact witness in a hearing or trial.