Overview Legal issues are common and acknowledged, although rarely welcomed, aspects of modern medicine. Physicians respond to these issues in various ways, ranging from denial of their existence, to resentment at the perceived intrusion into the patient care they create,…
With more than 2.6 million deaths each year in the United States, providing both competent and compassionate care for patients at the end of life is a crucial task for physicians. The Institute of Medicine identified end-of-life care as one…
Overview Suicide, or intentional self-harm with the intent of causing death, is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for more than 40,000 deaths each year. Non-lethal self-inflicted injuries are even more prevalent, accounting for nearly…
Key Points Malpractice litigation has a significant impact on the professional and personal lives of sued psychiatrists, but the evidence does not support perceptions that it is out of control. Liability of psychiatrists is normally limited to acts of negligence…
Key Points Psychiatric evaluations within the criminal justice system include assessment of criminal responsibility, competency to stand trial, competency to plead, competency to waive counsel, and competency to be executed. Each of the above evaluations serves the purpose of upholding…
Key Points Every state in the US has passed legislation that makes physicians and other health professionals mandatory reporters for child and elder abuse and neglect. Abused children are at serious risk for behavioral, emotional, and learning disorders. Mental injury…
Key Points Psychiatrists face multiple challenges when caring for a dying patient, encompassing issues of diagnosis and treatment, as well as larger ethical and legal considerations. Psychiatrists may be uniquely effective in helping a dying patient by ensuring optimization of…
Key Points Suicide, or intentional self-harm with the intent of causing death, is one of the most common causes of death in the US. For every completed suicide, between 8 and 25 attempts are made. Psychiatric illness is the most…