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Pediatric Critical Care and the Law: Medical Malpractice

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Pediatric Critical Care Medicine

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Abstract

Although some basic concepts related to medicolegal aspects for the practicing physician have remained unchanged over several years, there is a rapid increase in case-law and new trends emerging in this field. Accordingly, this chapter is divided into three parts. First, a basic overview related to medico-legal civil liability for the practicing physician is discussed, including steps that physicians should consider to minimize this liability. Second, some of the unique legal issues in the practice of pediatric critical care are discussed. Third, several PICUs are in the midst of implementing electronic health records (EHR). The implementation of electronic health records and availability of electronic patient data creates unique challenges and legal issues previously unknown, and key concepts related to these new emerging areas are also discussed.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes and is not intended to provide legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your situation.

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Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Caroline Hackstein and Lisa Ciesielczyk for their assistance in the preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatric Critical Care, Medical College of Wisconsin, 9000 W. Wisconsin Avenue, MS-681, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA

    Ramesh C. Sachdeva MD, PhD, JD, FAAP, FCCM

Authors
  1. Ramesh C. Sachdeva MD, PhD, JD, FAAP, FCCM
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ramesh C. Sachdeva MD, PhD, JD, FAAP, FCCM .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Div. of Critical Care Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

    Derek S. Wheeler

  2. Div. of Critical Care Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

    Hector R. Wong

  3. University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

    Thomas P. Shanley

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© 2014 Springer-Verlag London

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Sachdeva, R.C. (2014). Pediatric Critical Care and the Law: Medical Malpractice. In: Wheeler, D., Wong, H., Shanley, T. (eds) Pediatric Critical Care Medicine. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-6362-6_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-6362-6_2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-6361-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-6362-6

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