MedWorm: Malpractice

Supreme Court To Consider Legality Of Lawsuits Against Vaccine Makers

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

The Associated Press: "The Supreme Court will decide whether drug makers can be sued by parents who claim their children suffered serious health problems from vaccines. The justices on Monday agreed to hear an appeal from parents in Pittsburgh who want to sue Wyeth over the serious side effects their daughter, six months old at the time, allegedly suffered as a result of the company's diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine. ... Wyeth, now owned by Pfizer, Inc... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Supreme Court To Consider Legality Of Lawsuits Against Vaccine Makers

Pediatrics News From Medical News Today — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

The Associated Press: "The Supreme Court will decide whether drug makers can be sued by parents who claim their children suffered serious health problems from vaccines... (Source: Pediatrics News From Medical News Today)

Senate Judiciary Committee Approves Office Of Legal Counsel Nominee Johnsen For Second Time

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0100

The Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday voted 12-7 along party lines to approve the nomination of Dawn Johnsen to be assistant attorney general for the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel, CQ Today reports. The committee had already approved Johnsen nearly one year ago, but her nomination was never brought to the full Senate. President Obama re-nominated Johnsen in January after the first nomination expired at the end of 2009... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

A response to “Autopsy Profiles of Malpractice Cases” [16(1) (2009) 7–10]

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:59:07 +0100

Dear Editor, We read with interest a recently published research entitled “Autopsy Profiles of Malpractice Cases.” We are impressed with the study bringing out the details of the doctors and specialties implicated in malpractice cases in Turkey. However, we have some reservations. (Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine)

Sociology Professor Reveals That It's Who You Kill That Matters

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

A defendant is much more likely to be sentenced to death if he or she kills a "high-status" victim, according to new research by Scott Phillips, associate professor of sociology and criminology at the University of Denver (DU). According to his research published in Law and Society Review, (43-4:807-837), the probability of being sentenced to death is much greater if a defendant kills a white or Hispanic victim who is married with a clean criminal record and a college degree, as opposed to a black or Asian victim who is single with a prior criminal record and no college degree... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Sociology Professor Reveals That It's Who You Kill That Matters

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

What Is An Emergency Physicians Duty?

EPMonthly.com — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:08:42 +0100

by William Sullivan, DO, JD While sitting through the medical malpractice case of a colleague, a statement made by one... (Source: EPMonthly.com)

Medical Board Accused of Enforcing 'Conspiracy of Silence'

Arkansas Business - Health Care — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 13:39:52 +0100

In a 2008 case before the Arkansas Medical Board, Dr. Lonnie Harrison, 59, of Little Rock was apparently denied the return of his license, even on a restricted basis, at least in part because he helped prove a malpractice complaint against another doctor. (Source: Arkansas Business - Health Care)

State Supreme Court Weighs Medical Malpractice Caps In Case That Would Impact Doctors, Patients

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0100

The Kansas Health Institute has a package of stories about a malpractice case being considered by the Kansas Supreme Court in which the justices could determine if the state's caps on medical malpractice awards are constitutional. The case involves Amy Miller, who underwent surgery to have an ovary removed. But the surgeon took the wrong ovary and later she had the second one taken out... (Source: Public Health News From Medical News Today)

Medical ID Thefts Can Harm Patients' Health; Prosecutors Go After Medicare Fraud

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0100

State Supreme Court Weighs Medical Malpractice Caps In Case That Would Impact Doctors, Patients

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0100

The Kansas Health Institute has a package of stories about a malpractice case being considered by the Kansas Supreme Court in which the justices could determine if the state's caps on medical malpractice awards are constitutional. The case involves Amy Miller, who underwent surgery to have an ovary removed. But the surgeon took the wrong ovary and later she had the second one taken out. She sued the doctor and a jury "awarded her $760,000 in damages -- $360,000 for past and future medical expenses and $400,000 for past and future non-economic losses... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Medical ID Thefts Can Harm Patients' Health; Prosecutors Go After Medicare Fraud

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0100

News outlets covered different aspects of fraud in the health care system. NPR/KSMU: "Experts say a different type of identity theft is on the rise -- one that could compromise both the victim's credit and physical safety. Patients using someone else's name, Social Security number or insurance card to get health care could risk their victim's health if inaccurate information, such as blood type and medications, is recorded on the victim's chart." Officials at CoxHealth Hospital in Springfield, Mo... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

California Consumer Group Sues Anthem Blue Cross For Changing Policies And Then Raising Rates

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0100

Consumer Watchdog and other plaintiffs are suing Anthem Blue Cross, the California insurer that recently told policyholders it would hike premiums by 39 percent, the Los Angeles Times reports. The paper says the suit, which could gain class-action status, alleges that Anthem has violated "state law by closing certain policies to new members while illegally offering remaining customers alternative plans with fewer benefits at higher rates" (Helfand, 3/2)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Medical Malpractice/Expert Testimony/Disclosure of Errors

Pediatrics in Review — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:25:29 +0100

(Source: Pediatrics in Review)

Call for church to renounce book aimed at victims of child sexual abuse

Guardian Unlimited Science — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:40:10 +0100

Scientists specialising in false memory syndrome have written to the archbishop of Canterbury criticising The Courage to Heal, which they describe as 'misleading' and 'potentially harmful'Psychiatrists and psychologists have asked the archbishop of Canterbury to withdraw Church of England support for a self-help book aimed at victims of child sexual abuse, claiming it contains "misleading" and "potentially harmful" information.The book, which is promoted in the church's child protection policy, could lead readers to suspect they were sexually abused as children when they were not, the scientists warn.They put their concerns in an open letter to Rowan Williams in which they criticise scientific inaccuracies and "baseless claims" in versions of the book that are recommended by the church.The...

State Roundup: S.C. Plan Would End Benefits To 30,000 Disabled Residents; Judge Bars Calif. From Cutting Elderly From Day Care; Mass. Faces Lawsuit

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

The Associated Press/CNBC report about legislative action in South Carolina: "Children with autism, people with spine and brain injuries and the long-term disabled in job programs are among the 30,000 people who would lose state help under a $5.1 billion spending plan approved by a House committee Thursday. The spending plan would leave the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs able to serve only about 4,800 people who live in five residential care facilities and other group homes around the state, agency lobbyist Lois Park Mole said... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

State Roundup: S.C. Plan Would End Benefits To 30,000 Disabled Residents; Judge Bars Calif. From Cutting Elderly From Day Care; Mass. Faces Lawsuit

Seniors / Aging News From Medical News Today — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Responding to an Accusation of Malpractice

Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In May 2006, a Florida woman found her husband, a physician, hanging from a nylon rope in their bedroom closet, a suicide. Earlier in the day, the physician had listened in a courtroom as a jury pronounced its verdict, finding him liable in a malpractice lawsuit alleging that he had failed to remove a sponge at the conclusion of a surgical procedure and that the presence of the foreign body subsequently caused the plaintiff, a former patient, infection and pain. According to the physician's wife, her husband was distraught at the prospect of paying three-quarters of the $1 million verdict—the proportion that exceeded his insurance limits—out of his own pocket. Yet financial implications are often only the tip of the iceberg in terms of the distress that such suits inflict on physicians...

Bipartisanship Unlikely After Health Summit; Party Unity Obama's Next Best Bet

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100

Democratic and Republican lawmakers each have an opportunity to make bipartisan concessions during Thursday's summit - like warming to malpractice reform or publicly conceding Democratic plans would ultimately lower the deficit, respectively - but political pressure will likely push both sides towards their partisan ranks, Politico reports... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

The Diagnosis of Mental Disorders in Clinical Social Work: A Review of Standards of Care

Clinical Social Work Journal — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:43:20 +0100

Abstract Licensed to diagnose and treat mental disorders, clinical social workers have begun to develop and practice professional standards commensurate with their status as the nation’s largest provider of mental health care. Against the backdrop of malpractice claims and awards, this paper reviews the extant standards promulgated by our professional organizations, regulatory bodies, health-insurance and managed-care entities, and the courts to synthesize standards of care for the diagnosis of mental disorders. The limited available evidence suggests that clinical social workers merit congratulations and concern as we rise to the challenge of addressing those standards in education and practice. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s10615-0...

Splitting treatment: How to limit liability risk when you share a patient's care

Malpractice Verdicts — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:28:00 +0100

Douglas Mossman , MD; Christina G. Weston , MD (Source: Malpractice Verdicts)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Lessons from Nursing Home Dysphagia Malpractice Litigation.

Journal of Gerontological Nursing — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tanner DC The purpose of this article is to review the management of swallowing disorders in nursing home patients. The goal is to provide readers with five areas of contentious dysphagia management issues that have surfaced in several malpractice litigation cases. A detailed examination of what went wrong in the management of these patients' dysphagia from the perspective of the plaintiffs' dysphagia expert witness, as well as a discussion of what nursing home staff could have done to prevent these tragedies, is presented. PMID: 20180495 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Gerontological Nursing)

Trial For Lawsuit Against Anthem Blue Cross Begins In California

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100

The trial begins on a lawsuit targeting Anthem Blue Cross today in California. The insurer "refused to pay for" customer Ephram Nehme "to get a liver transplant in Indiana because the company wanted to save money, a lawyer for the patient told jurors Monday," the Los Angeles Times reports. "But a lawyer for the state's largest for-profit insurer argued that the patient, Ephram Nehme, was not sick enough to qualify for an exception to his policy's requirement that transplants be performed in Blue Cross-contracted hospitals in California... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

House Antitrust Bill Will Keep Exemption For Med-Mal Insurers

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100

A House bill would revoke the antitrust exemption from health insurers but keep the exemption for medical malpractice insurers. "House Democrats agreed to exclude medical malpractice insurers from legislation that would apply antitrust laws to health insurance companies, clearing the way for a vote on the measure this week," Bloomberg/Business Week reports. "The two-page bill would leave intact the antitrust exemption for property and casualty insurers, including those that indemnify doctors against malpractice... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Trial For Lawsuit Against Anthem Blue Cross Begins In California

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100

Ethicon Endo-Surgery Announces Agreement With Hologic Inc. To Resolve Patent Disputes

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 01:00:00 +0100

Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, announced today that it has reached an agreement with Hologic, Inc., and Hologic subsidiary Suros Surgical Systems, Inc., settling litigation in Ohio and dismissing pending cases in Delaware. The disputes involved patents relating to the Ethicon Endo-Surgery MAMMOTOME® Breast Biopsy System, and the Hologic ATEC and EVIVA biopsy devices. Under the terms of the agreement, Ethicon Endo-Surgery will receive $12.5 million from Hologic... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

What we can learn from a case of medical malpractice--a case of suicide caused by bullying between male nurses. - Kuwabara H, Honda Y, Makita S, Okabe M, Sumioka R, Kobayashi H.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:03:10 +0100

[Abstract unavailable] Language: Jpn... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Cleveland Medical Malpractice Attorney Obtains Settlement in Wrongful Death Case

PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:26:37 +0100

NASA engineer dies after instructions to stop taking Plavix® and Aspirin for elective colonoscopy. Cleveland medical malpractice attorney (http://medical-malpractice.spanglaw.com/) nets settlement for widow. (PRWeb Feb 23, 2010) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/top-medical-malpractice/attorneys-cleveland-ohio/prweb3611524.htm (Source: PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals)

KHN Column - Malpractice Reform: A Test Case For Bipartisanship At The Health Summit

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100

In his latest Kaiser Health News column, done in collaboration with The New Republic, Jonathan Cohn writes: "Ever since President Barack Obama announced he'd be having a bipartisan meeting to talk about health care reform, Republicans have been denouncing it as a charade. He's not really interested in their ideas, they say. And he doesn't really want their support... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Climate wars damage the scientists but we all stand to lose in the battle | David Adam

Guardian Unlimited Science — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:00:02 +0100

It is open season on climate scientists, but such hand-wringing has allowed the creeping rehabilitation of climate scepticismSo the case is closed. The release of private emails between climate scientists at the University of East Anglia that show malpractice and conspiracy have had their effect. Public acceptance of the reality of global warming has dipped, politicians are retreating and changes to how science is done and scientists behave are required.I do not accept this. I believe this seductively simple narrative is based on ignorance, scientific illiteracy and hypocrisy. Worse, it is dangerous and will erode the very public confidence it seeks to restore.This is perhaps not a common view right now. In newsrooms up and down the country, scandal and hand-wringing are afoot and it is op...

Lawyer Repellant

Physicians Practice — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:20:20 +0100

Do you feel helpless against the threat of lawsuits? Many docs do. Yet there are ways to reduce your risk of being sued. Arm yourself with best practices, to keep malpractice lawyers at bay. (Source: Physicians Practice)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Miami Prescription Drug Diverter Sentenced To 70 Months In Prison

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Jeffrey H. Sloman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and David W. Bourne, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Office of Criminal Investigations, Miami Field Office, announced that defendant Arnesto Segredo, 43, of Miami, a former prescription drug wholesaler, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Alan S. Gold to 70 months in prison... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Nilita Vientos Gaston Writing Competition

ScanGrants feed — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Deadline: March 5, 2010 The Seventy-Ninth Volume of the University of Puerto Rico Law Review cordially invites you to participate in its annual Nilita Vientós Gastón Writing CompetitionThe topic to be developed on the participating essays is: Law and Health Entries shall address one or several of the following six topics: · The relationship between the proliferation of malpractice lawsuits and increasing healthcare costs· Increasing prescription drugs costs vis à vis protecting intellectual property · Free market versus universal insurance · Freedom of choice versus the State as guardian of individual rights · Legalization of illegal drugs · Public health as an element of environmental regulation A $1,000.00 USD cash prize wi...

Trusts Must Learn From Safety Errors, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Commenting on Action Against Medical Accidents' report "Insult to Injury", Karen Jennings, Head of Health for UNISON, the UK's largest public sector union, said: "Patients need to know that Trusts learn from safety errors and that action is taken and precautions put in place to minimise the risk of them happening again. "The National Patient Safety Agency issue these alerts for very good reasons and it is clear more needs to be done to monitor Trust compliance and restore public confidence. The move to more 'light touch' regulation isn't appropriate in the NHS... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Communication failure: A surefire route to malpractice court

AuntMinnie.com Headlines — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0100

What if radiologists knew that failure to communicate radiologic findings to (more) (Source: AuntMinnie.com Headlines)

Dems Concede on Malpractice Insurers

RWJF News Digest - Health Insurance Coverage — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Nothing comes easy in the health care debate. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Health Insurance Coverage)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Company Pleads Guilty To Felony Misbranding Of A Drug

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Grant C. Jaquith, Temporary Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York, and Mark Dragonetti, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office, announced that The Plastic Surgery Group, LLP (TPSG) of Albany, New York, was sentenced and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $106,686, and a fine of $200,000, in connection with TPSG's plea of guilty to one felony count of misbranding drugs, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 331(k), 352(i)(3), and 333(a)(2)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Company Pleads Guilty To Felony Misbranding Of A Drug

Cosmetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery News From Medical News Today — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Grant C... (Source: Cosmetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery News From Medical News Today)

Subject Sentenced To 51 Months For Sale Of Unapproved Medical Devices

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0100

United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced that James Folsom was sentenced in federal court in San Diego to serve 51 months in custody and a $250,000 fine following his conviction on twenty-six felony counts relating to the sale of unapproved medical devices and the commission of offenses while on pretrial release. The Honorable John A. Houston, United States District Judge, also ordered the destruction of over 450 devices that had been seized by the government during the execution of a search warrant at a self-storage unit used by the defendant... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Subject Sentenced To 51 Months For Sale Of Unapproved Medical Devices

Medical Devices News From Medical News Today — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Texas Whistle-Blowing Nurse Is Acquitted

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

The New York Times: "A West Texas jury took but an hour Thursday to acquit a nurse who had been charged with a felony after alerting the state medical board that a doctor at her hospital was practicing unsafe medicine. The uncommon prosecution had ignited deep concern among health care workers and advocates for whistle-blowers about a potential chilling effect on the reporting of malpractice. ... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Texas Whistle-Blowing Nurse Is Acquitted

Nursing News From Medical News Today — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Which Standard of Care?

Internal Medicine News — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This article is meant to be educational and does not constitute medical, ethical, or legal advice. It is adapted from the author's book, “Medical Malpractice: Understanding the Law, Managing the Risk” (2006). For additional information, readers may contact the author at siang@hawaii.edu. (Source: Internal Medicine News)

New Screening System For Hepatitis C

Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs News From Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:00:00 +0100

A newly designed system of identifying molecules for treating hepatitis C should enable scientists to discover novel and effective therapies for the dangerous and difficult-to-cure disease of the liver, says Zhilei Chen, a Texas A&M University assistant professor of chemical engineering who helped develop the screening system... (Source: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs News From Medical News Today)

New Screening System For Hepatitis C

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:00:00 +0100

A newly designed system of identifying molecules for treating hepatitis C should enable scientists to discover novel and effective therapies for the dangerous and difficult-to-cure disease of the liver, says Zhilei Chen, a Texas A&M University assistant professor of chemical engineering who helped develop the screening system. The system, Chen explains, enables researchers to study the effects of molecules that obstruct all aspects of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) life cycle... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Brothers Sentenced For The Illegal Sale And Supply Of Lifestyle Drugs

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Two brothers were sentenced at Leicester Crown Court, for the illegal sale and supply of unlicensed medicines. After both pleaded guilty, Assad Hussain was given a Â£35,000 confiscation order, fined Â£1,000 and ordered to pay Â£4,000 in costs. Fraz Hussain received a conditional discharge for 12 months. Investigations by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Leicester Trading Standards found that Fraz and Assad Hussain had been selling Pauinystalia Yohimbe, a sexual dysfunction drug labelled as Extensis, from their property via a number of websites... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Today's Opinions And Editorials: A Litigation Explosion, Anthem Blue Cross And Starting Fresh

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Start Fresh With What People Agree Upon Des Moines Register What would a fresh start look like? It would begin with a new bill. Amending the 2,000 pages in either the Senate or House bill would prove to be impossible. They were born of an unseemly process and based on a premise already rejected by the American people. Language from the existing bills, in areas of agreement, could obviously be used to expedite drafting (Michael O. Leavitt, 2/11)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

A Useful Tool To Diagnose Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Previous studies have shown that assessment of immunoglobulin subclasses in plasma cells by immunohistochemistry (IHC) may be useful in the histopathologic evaluation of autoimmune liver diseases. However, further studies are necessary in order to validate the diagnostic utility of IgM and IgG immunohistochemistry in this specific scenario... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Your Malpractice Risk When Your Hospitalized Patient Has a "Never Event"

Medscape Internal Medicine Headlines — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:04:08 +0100

When your hospitalized patient has a "never event," you now have an extra challenge in defending against a lawsuit. Here are some important legal defense steps to take. Medscape Business of Medicine (Source: Medscape Internal Medicine Headlines)

Defensive Medicine, Cost Containment, and Reform

Journal of General Internal Medicine — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:48:06 +0100

Abstract The role of defensive medicine in driving up health care costs is hotly contended. Physicians and health policy experts in particular tend to have sharply divergent views on the subject. Physicians argue that defensive medicine is a significant driver of health care cost inflation. Policy analysts, on the other hand, observe that malpractice reform, by itself, will probably not do much to reduce costs. We argue that both answers are incomplete. Ultimately, malpractice reform is a necessary but insufficient component of medical cost containment. The evidence suggests that defensive medicine accounts for a small but non-negligible fraction of health care costs. Yet the traditional medical malpractice reforms that many physicians desire will not assuage the various p...

Illinois High Court Rules Medical Malpractice Caps Are Unconstitutional

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

The Illinois Supreme Court on Thursday struck down a medical malpractice law enacted in 2005 that limited monetary damages to $1 million from hospitals and $500,000 from doctors for pain and suffering, the Chicago Tribune reports. "The much-anticipated ruling deals a blow to doctors and hospital officials who say caps on damages are a way to tame rising health care costs. ... The court said the law violates the state's separation-of-powers clause between the branches of government by allowing lawmakers to interfere with a jury's right to determine damages... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Illinois High Court Rules Medical Malpractice Caps Are Unconstitutional

Nursing News From Medical News Today — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Moderating Malpractice Costs

RWJF News Digest - Quality/Equality — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

The ruling allows some control over large damage awards that can drive up the cost of health care. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Quality/Equality)

Nurse to Stand Trial for Reporting Doctor

NYT > Health — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:33:24 +0100

A nurse is facing third-degree felony charges for informing state regulators that a doctor at her rural hospital was practicing bad medicine. (Source: NYT > Health)

Nurse to Stand Trial for Reporting Doctor

NYT — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:33:24 +0100

A nurse is facing third-degree felony charges for informing state regulators that a doctor at her rural hospital was practicing bad medicine. (Source: NYT)

In Texas, a Trial and Possible Prison Time for Reporting a Doctor

NYT — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 06:29:39 +0100

A nurse is facing third-degree felony charges for informing state regulators that a doctor at her rural hospital was practicing bad medicine. (Source: NYT)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

In Texas, a Trial and Possible Prison Time for Reporting a Doctor

NYT > Health — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:35:29 +0100

A nurse is facing third-degree felony charges for informing state regulators that a doctor at her rural hospital was practicing bad medicine. (Source: NYT > Health)

Illinois Supreme Court Strikes Down Medical Malpractice Law

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:33:32 +0100

Chicago Tribune, (IL) article reports that the Illinois Supreme Court on Thursday struck down a medical malpractice law enacted in 2005 that limited monetary damages to $1 million from hospitals and $500,000 from doctors for pain and suffering, saying limits on damages awarded to victims of medical negligence are unconstitutional. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Second Confirmation Hearing For DOJ Nominee Johnsen Unnecessary, New York Times Editorial States

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:00:00 +0100

Although Dawn Johnsen -- President Obama's nominee to lead the Department of Justice's Office of Legal Counsel -- is "a highly qualified choice," Senate Republicans "have been raising baseless objections and delaying" the confirmation for more than one year, the New York Times says in an editorial. Republicans "owe Mr. Obama a vote on this nomination, and Democratic leaders have a duty to get it done quickly," the editorial states... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Second Confirmation Hearing For DOJ Nominee Johnsen Unnecessary, New York Times Editorial States

Women's Health / OBGYN News From Medical News Today — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:00:00 +0100

Although Dawn Johnsen -- President Obama's nominee to lead the Department of Justice's Office of Legal Counsel -- is "a highly qualified choice," Senate Republicans "have been raising baseless objections and delaying" the confirmation for more than one year, the New York Times says in an editorial. Republicans "owe Mr... (Source: Women's Health / OBGYN News From Medical News Today)

Judge Hears Arguments In Challenge To Patents On Genes Tied To Breast, Ovarian Cancer

Women's Health / OBGYN News From Medical News Today — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Judge Hears Arguments In Challenge To Patents On Genes Tied To Breast, Ovarian Cancer

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100

U.S. District Judge Robert Sweet on Tuesday considered whether to invalidate Myriad Genetics' patents on two genes associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers in a lawsuit that could have far-reaching implications for the biotechnology industry and genetics-based research, the AP/ABC News reports. In March 2009, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Public Patent Foundation filed suit in the U.S. District Court in Manhattan against Myriad, the University of Utah Research Foundation and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Federal Government Indicts Sutter/CPMC To Block Illegal Health Plan Imposed On San Francisco RNs

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Sutter Health's California Pacific Medical Center (Sutter/CPMC) is facing an upcoming trial over the unilateral imposition on January 1, 2010 of an unlawful health plan on registered nurses and other workers. The National Labor Relations Board announced that it will bring Sutter/CPMC to trial over the plan, with the possibility that Sutter will have to cancel the health plan-which covers about 7000 employees and their families (case numbers 20-CA-34705 and 20-CA-34737)-for CNA-represented RNs... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Congress Faces One-Month Deadline On Doctor Payment Fix

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:00:00 +0100

The doctor payment fix and several marketplace issues, such as insurance red tape and malpractice cases, continue to loom while health care reform efforts stall. The Hill: "At the end of February, a short-term measure enacted late last year will expire, exposing doctors who treat Medicare patients to a 21 percent reduction in their fees. The American Medical Association (AMA) and other physician groups are continuing to lobby lawmakers to enact a costly permanent reform to the complex formula that calculates the payment levels... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Roeder Convicted Of First-Degree Murder In Shooting Of Abortion Provider Tiller

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0100

After 37 minutes of deliberation, Sedgwick County, Kan., jurors found Scott Roeder guilty of first-degree murder for the shooting of abortion provider George Tiller in his church last May, the Chicago Tribune reports (Abcarian, Chicago Tribune, 1/30). Prosecutor Nola Foulston said she would seek to ensure that Roeder remain in prison for 50 years, though a lighter sentence could allow eligibility for parole after 25 years. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 9. Jurors also convicted Roeder of two counts of aggravated assault for threatening two church ushers who chased him as he fled... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Telehealth and Telenursing Are Live: APN Policy and Practice Implications

The Journal for Nurse Practitioners — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Advanced practice nurses (APNs) are currently leaders in telenursing practice, and should be aware of important policy issues to further advance the use of telehealth by APNs. Key issues such as technology selection and implementation principles, interstate licensure, malpractice, and telehealth reimbursement are important to further advancing telenursing. In addition, evidence-based strategies for demonstrating caring using technology in patient interactions are key for advancing the use of telenursing in APN practice. Finally, APNs should be aware of how telenursing can impact the nursing shortage in the United States, providing access to care irrespective of geographic location of provider and patients. (Source: The Journal for Nurse Practitioners)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Algorithm for Evaluating Palpable Breast Mass Recommended

Ob.Gyn. News — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

SAN FRANCISCO — A proper evaluation of a palpable breast mass is important not only for quality of care but also because a delayed cancer diagnosis due to a negative clinical exam or a negative mammogram is a primary cause of malpractice awards in this area, according to Dr. Leah Karliner. (Source: Ob.Gyn. News)

Judge Bars Voluntary Manslaughter Defense, Defendant Testifies In Tiller Murder Trial

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:00:00 +0100

On trial for first-degree murder for the shooting of abortion provider George Tiller, defendant Scott Roeder admitted on the witness stand Thursday to purchasing a gun, taking target practice, studying the doctor's schedule and, ultimately, fatally shooting him in his Kansas church on May 31, 2009, the New York Times reports. "I did what I thought was needed to be done to protect the children. I shot him," Roeder told the court, adding, "If I didn't do it, the babies were going to die" (Davey, New York Times, 1/29). Sedgwick County, Kan... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Doctors cut back hours when risk of malpractice suit rises, study shows

ScienceDaily Headlines — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:01:47 +0100

A new study shows doctors work 1.7 hours less per week when medical liability risk increases by 10 percent. Such a decline in hours is the equivalent of one of every 35 physicians retiring without a replacement. Doctors age 55 and older and those with their own practice are more influenced by liability risk. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Health News of the Day

Clinical Cases and Images — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 13:40:00 +0100

is a daily summary made from the selected links I post on Twitter. It is in a bullet points format with links to the original sources which include 350 RSS feeds that produce about 2,500 items per day: Preoperative cardiac stress testing associated with improved one year survival and length of hospital stay if RCRI higher than 1 http://bit.ly/9WTjxQ Among Internet users, 5% participated in online support group, 7% reported blogging, 23% used a social networking site http://bit.ly/c1rsRt Stillbirth Linked To Gum Disease In Pregnant Mothers http://bit.ly/bPGsdW Higher Ambulatory Care Co-payments Decrease Outpatient Visits but Increase Hospitalizations among the Elderly http://bit.ly/aaFLSU Study: Doctors Reduce Working Hours As Medical Malpractice Risk Rises http://bit.ly/bFBpMG What...

Malpractice risk affects doctors' hours

Health News - UPI.com — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 05:25:19 +0100

PROVO, Utah, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- The number of hours physicians spend on the job each week is influenced by the fear of malpractice lawsuits, U.S. researchers say. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Researching Doctors - Doctor Background Check

Disabled World — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:37:45 +0100

We know all physicians and surgeons do not have the same training and experience, especially in today’s advanced medical health-care environment. No doctor will tell you outright whether he/she has been disciplined or had one or more malpractice judgments issued against him/her. (Source: Disabled World)

Doctors cut back hours when risk of malpractice suit rises

Medicineworld.org: New Article Alert — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:04:38 +0100

A newly released study shows that the number of hours physicians spend on the job each week is influenced by the fear of malpractice lawsuits. Economists Eric Helland and Mark Showalter observed that doctors cut back their workload by almost two hours each week when the expected liability risk increases by 10 percent. The study, reported in the new issue of the Journal of Law and Economics, notes that the decline in hours adds up to the equivalent of one of every 35 physicians retiring without a replacement........ (Source: Medicineworld.org: New Article Alert)

Risk Of Malpractice Suit Affects Hours Doctors Work

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:00:00 +0100

A new study shows that the number of hours physicians spend on the job each week is influenced by the fear of malpractice lawsuits. Economists Eric Helland and Mark Showalter found that doctors cut back their workload by almost two hours each week when the expected liability risk increases by 10 percent. The study, published in the new issue of the Journal of Law and Economics, notes that the decline in hours adds up to the equivalent of one of every 35 physicians retiring without a replacement... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Lathrop & Gage to pay $7.4M to settle malpractice suit

bizjournals.com Health Care:Health Insurance headlines — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:04:20 +0100

Lathrop & Gage has agreed to pay $7.4 million to settle a legal malpractice lawsuit. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Health Insurance headlines)

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Associated With High Mortality Rates

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Researchers from the Karolinska Institute determined that patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have a higher overall mortality rate compared with the general population. Details of this study are available in the February issue of Hepatology, a journal published by Wiley-Blackwell on behalf of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. While NAFLD is the most common cause of elevated liver enzyme levels, the long-term prognosis of this condition is relatively unknown... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Out-Of-Hours Complaints Up By Half Says Medical Defence Union

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union today revealed that there has been a 50 per cent increase in the complaints related to out-of-hours (OOH) consultations notified by its GP members. OOH complaints also represented an increased proportion of the total complaints against GPs compared to a similar MDU study in 2007. The Medical Defence Union (MDU), the UK's leading medical defence organisation, revealed it had been notified of 517 complaints related to out-of-hours consultations by GP members in 2007 and 2008, compared to 337 in the previous two years, an increase of 53 per cent*... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Doctors cut back hours when risk of malpractice suit rises, study shows

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(Brigham Young University) A new study shows doctors work 1.7 hours less per week when medical liability risk increases by 10 percent.Such a decline in hours is the equivalent of one of every 35 physicians retiring without a replacement.Doctors age 55 and older and those with their own practice are more influenced by liability risk. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Jury still out on whether EHRs reduce malpractice risk [PEDIATRICIANS AND THE LAW]

AAP News — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:22:27 +0100

(Source: AAP News)

The Radiation Boom: As Technology Surges, Radiation Safeguards Lag

NYT > Health — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:34:06 +0100

While new treatments are more accurate, errors in software and operation are more difficult to detect. (Source: NYT > Health)

GOP Lawmaker Set To Release Health Care 'Declaration'

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Republicans are seeking consensus on health care now that Democrats can no longer go it alone, having lost their filibuster-proof 60-vote Senate majority, NPR reports. Senior Republicans are "shopping around" policy ideas they say everyone could agree with "off the bat," including a cap on certain malpractice damages and allowing insurers to sell plans across state lines. But, some observers note that even when they were in the majority, Republicans failed to agree even on those issues (Rovner, 1/26)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

The Radiation Boom: While Technology Surges, Radiation Safeguards Lag

NYT > Health — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 04:44:40 +0100

While new radiation treatments are more accurate, errors in software and operation are more difficult to detect. (Source: NYT > Health)

What is the matter with crushing pills and opening capsules?

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study aims to map out to what degree medication is being crushed and mixed into the patients' food and beverages and how often this practice included medication, which has a statement in the Norwegian pharmaceutical compendium that this should not be done (inappropriately altered medication (IAM)). Data from a total of 2108 patients in 151 wards in 65 nursing homes were collected. The data contained information about the kind of drugs the patient received, in which form it was given and how it was given. Patient characteristics and ward characteristics were also recorded. Twenty-three per cent were given at least one drug mixed into their food or beverages and 10% were given at least one IAM. This study shows a malpractice regarding one aspect of medication in nursing homes. Even thou...

Prosecution Presents Opening Statement In Tiller Murder Trial

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0100

The first-degree murder trial of Scott Roeder, the man charged with the shooting death of abortion provider George Tiller, began Friday with prosecutors presenting evidence that the defendant planned the attack far in advance, the New York Times reports (Davey, New York Times, 1/23). According to the New York Times, although Sedgwick County, Kan., District Judge Warren Wilbert has insisted that he would not allow a debate on abortion rights to overtake the trial, the issue appeared "unavoidable -- unspoken, but always looming" in Friday's proceedings (Davey, New York Times, 1/23)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Plaintiff's attorneys share perspectives on patient communication

Journal of Healthcare Risk Management — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This article reports that malpractice attorneys representing plaintiffs accept a small percentage of the clients who request legal representation for medical liability claims. Of those cases they do not accept, these attorneys report that a significant motivator for patients seeking legal counsel is poor clinician-patient communication. They cite poor listening skills; delegation of critical consent communication; failure to share timely information with colleagues and nursing personnel; failure to have meaningful, empathetic conversations when adverse outcomes occur; and defensive behavior when patients seek to learn more by questioning diagnoses and treatment options. (Source: Journal of Healthcare Risk Management)

Bellevue Salon Owner Sentenced To 13 Months In Prison In Connection With Unlicensed Cosmetic Treatments

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0100

XIN HE, aka FAITH HE, 46, of Issaquah, Washington, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 13 months in prison and one year of supervised release for a felony count of Misbranding of a Drug While Held for Sale and two misdemeanor counts of Receipt & Proffered Delivery of Adulterated Device. HE was convicted at a bench trial October 30, 2009. She was ordered into immediate custody by U.S. District Judge Marsha J. Pechman... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Bellevue Salon Owner Sentenced To 13 Months In Prison In Connection With Unlicensed Cosmetic Treatments

Cosmetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery News From Medical News Today — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0100

XIN HE, aka FAITH HE, 46, of Issaquah, Washington, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 13 months in prison and one year of supervised release for a felony count of Misbranding of a Drug While Held for Sale and two misdemeanor counts of Receipt & Proffered Delivery of Adulterated Device. HE was convicted at a bench trial October 30, 2009... (Source: Cosmetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery News From Medical News Today)

An unusual presentation of thoracic aortic aneurysm rupturing into the esophagus: an autopsy case report

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:29:34 +0100

We report a case of an aortic aneurysm with an aorto-esophageal fistula, which showed slow gastrointestinal bleeding for days before death. A 79-year-old male was brought to a hospital emergency unit, with a history of melena for about 3 days, and recent hematemesis. He collapsed immediately after endoscopy and died. A forensic autopsy which was performed due to possible medical malpractice demonstrated a large saccular aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta with a fistula into the esophagus. A significant finding was a lid or valve shaped thrombus covering the aortic orifice of the fistula, which may have partly contributed to slow bleeding, and which may have been dislodged by endoscopy. This case suggests that very careful management of aorto-esophageal fistula is needed i...

Medical Defence Union Welcomes Report On Civil Litigation Costs

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:00:00 +0100

The Medical Defence Union (MDU), the UK's leading medical defence organisation today warmly welcomes the Right Honourable Lord Justice Jackson's final report into civil litigation costs* which we believe is well-considered and if implemented will improve the civil litigation process for claimants and defendants. MDU Head of Claims, Jill Harding, comments: "We are delighted that Lord Justice Jackson has listened to the arguments from all parties and this is clear from the thoroughness of his report and the carefully-argued conclusions... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Springfield Anesthesiologist Charged With Falsifying Medical Research

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100

The former chief of acute pain at Bay State Hospital in Springfield, Massachuestts was charged today in federal court with falsifying medical research studies, including studies that were published in medical journals regarding pain management. United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Mark Dragonetti, Special Agent in Charge of the Food & Drug Administration - Office of Criminal Investigations; Susan J. Waddell, Special Agent in Charge of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General; and Warren T... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Jury Selection Begins In Trial Of Accused Tiller Shooter

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:00:00 +0100

Jury selection in the trial of Scott Roeder, the man accused of fatally shooting abortion provider George Tiller, began on Wednesday after Sedgwick County, Kan., District Court Judge Warren Wilbert agreed to open part of the process, the AP/Washington Post reports. Initially, Wilbert ruled that jury selection would be closed entirely. However, the Kansas Supreme Court late Tuesday ordered Wilbert to reconsider his ruling, the AP/Post reports. In addition, four media outlets appealed the original decision... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Is the Sentimental Value of Your Dog Worth Money? A Court Decides

Psychology Today Relationships Center — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:41:54 +0100

As someone who has studied the depth and emotional importance of the bond people develop with their pet dogs, I found myself in the odd position of wondering whether I should agree or disagree with a court ruling that seems to go against the recognition of that very same emotional tie. Let me give you the facts of the case and the ruling and see if you come to a positive or negative conclusion or are left with the same uncertainty that I have. The case was heard in a California State appeals court in the 4th District in Santa Ana, California. The issue deals with what happens if your veterinarian makes a mistake and accidently kills your pet. Can you then go to court and demand a settlement to cover, not only the actual cost to buy another d...

Maryland Court of Appeals moves to limit medical malpractice awards

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:04:07 +0100

The Maryland Court of Appeals ruled to preserve limits on medical malpractice awards, overturning the decision of a Montgomery County Circuit Court. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

Uganda: Five Medics Arrested over Illegal Practice

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 08:58:19 +0100

FIVE medical workers, two of them Mulago Hospital doctors, were yesterday arrested over alleged malpractice in health service delivery. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Obama To Re-Nominate Johnsen To Head DOJ Office Of Legal Counsel

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:00:00 +0100

President Obama plans to re-nominate Dawn Johnsen as his choice for the head of the Department of Justice's Office of Legal Counsel after the Senate failed to take action on her nomination last year, according to a White House official, CQ Today reports (Perine, CQ Today, 1/7). Some Senate Republicans have argued that Johnsen is too controversial for the post given her criticism of legal memorandums OLC issued during the Bush administration. She also has drawn fire for her earlier work in support of abortion rights (CQ Today, 1/7)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Obama To Re-Nominate Johnsen To Head DOJ Office Of Legal Counsel

Women's Health / OBGYN News From Medical News Today — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:00:00 +0100

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Doctor accused of making false stem cell claims

Multiple Sclerosis Society Press Releases — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The General Medical Council (GMC), which protects patients from malpractice among doctors, is investigating allegations against a Dr Robert Trossel, accused of offering and making false claims about stem cell therapy. View: http://www.mssociety.org.uk/news_events/news/press_releases/trossel_gmc.html (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Society Press Releases)

Practices Advised By The Medical Defence Union On The Golden Rules Of Accepting Gifts, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Practices are being advised on the importance of keeping a register of gifts and on dealing with any dilemmas that accepting a gift can cause. In its latest edition of inpractice, its journal for practice managers, the MDU says the golden rule is that gifts should not influence or be seen to influence the care a patient receives.* It also advises that all gifts are recorded on a register. The MDU, the UK's leading medical defence organisation, says many members sought advice on this topic over the Christmas and New Year period... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Few People Sue British National Health System

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0100

An examination of the British health care system shows that while there is some dissatisfaction, there are few malpractice suits against the system. Marketplace reports: "Opponents of health care reform have raised concerns about the likelihood of malpractice suits under a new system. But that's not the case in Britain's taxpayer-funded [National Health System]." The show reports on Adrian Goddard, a British man who is suing NHS for negligence for the care that his mother received and notes that he is "a little bit unusual" because of this action... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Prosecutors Who Targeted Tiller Subpoenaed In Murder Trial

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Defense attorneys for Scott Roeder, the man accused of fatally shooting abortion provider George Tiller in the doctor's Wichita church, have subpoenaed two state prosecutors who tried unsuccessfully to convict Tiller on criminal charges, the AP/Miami Herald reports. Defense attorney Mark Rudy said on Tuesday that misdemeanor charges brought against Tiller by former Kansas Attorney General Phill Kline (R) and separate charges prosecuted later by Deputy Attorney General Barry Disney (R) demonstrated that they both thought Tiller's actions had been lawless... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

One physician learns firsthand that you are never really off-duty

Medical Economics - Malpractice — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In-flight medical events are in an area of medicine that is often overlooked but occurring more and more. (Source: Medical Economics - Malpractice)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Yale/Stanford Johnson & Johnson Global Health Scholars Program

ScanGrants feed — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Yale/Stanford Johnson & Johnson Global Health Scholars Program Deadline for Program Year 2010-2011 Applications: Friday, January 22, 2010 EligibilityPhysicians-in-training who will have completed at least their internship year of residency training in accredited US programs in Internal Medicine, Primary Care, Family Medicine, Med/Peds, Ob/GYN, or Emergency Medicine by July 2010 are eligible to apply for the 2010-2011 program year. Those trained in Pediatrics and Preventive Medicine are eligible to apply for select sites only. Applicants from US academic medical centers and community-based practices who are board-certified in any specialty are welcome to apply as Career Physicians. Chief Residents and Fellows should apply as Career Physicians.Please note: It is recommended that all Yale...

Health News of the Day

Clinical Cases and Images — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:26:00 +0100

is a daily summary made from the selected links I post on Twitter. It is in a bullet points format with links to the original sources which include 350 RSS feeds that produce about 2,500 items per day: EMR incentive payments can top more than $40,000 for a single doctor over several years, $20 billion nationwide http://bit.ly/8kwiCA Limits on medical malpractice can reduce the federal budget deficit by $54 billion over the next decade http://bit.ly/8lZA8q American Academy of Neurology: Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation, or TENS, does not work for low back pain http://bit.ly/78agEl Women who take long time (years) to get pregnant are more likely to give birth to unhealthy babies for various reasons http://bit.ly/8SIB0S ‘Avatar’ Fails Antismoking Test: Environmental scie...

Letters: When Doctors Are Sued (2 Letters)

NYT > Health — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:01:58 +0100

To the Editor:. (Source: NYT > Health)

The New Katrina Flood: Hospital Liability

NYT > Health — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 17:42:22 +0100

Are New Orleans hospitals liable for not protecting electrical generators? A series of lawsuits is testing the bounds of their liability. (Source: NYT > Health)

Regulating office-based surgery

Dental Abstracts — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In 2008, a Las Vegas endoscopy clinic was cited for infection control lapses that had the potential to increase the risk of hepatitis C transmission. In response to this incident, area attorneys conducted an intense advertising campaign seeking potential plaintiffs, and malpractice filings increased by 580%. These developments along with the public outcry that followed prompted legislators to pass the Assembly Bill (AB) 123, mandating relatively challenging requirements for office-based surgery (OBS), which focused on anesthesia and infection control. Dental offices were specifically excluded from the law because the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners (NSBDE) has required examinations for all types of advanced pain control for over 20 years. Thus, anyone providing anesthesia through me...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

N.C. includes more disciplinary actions in physician profiles

American Medical News - PROFESSION — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 13:00:00 +0100

Visitors to the state medical board Web site can see a physician's malpractice suit settlements, among other things. (Source: American Medical News - PROFESSION)

Malpractice Dangers for Psychiatrists

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 21:07:06 +0100

Psychiatrists face many malpractice risks, including patient suicide, relations with patients, duty to warn, and medication side effects. Medscape Business of Medicine (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Cases: A Patient Dies, and Then the Anguish of Litigation

NYT > Health — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 01:11:20 +0100

A doctor accused of “malicious” conduct in the care of a patient coped with practicing, and living, under the cloud of a medical malpractice lawsuit. (Source: NYT > Health)

Some Doctors May Overprescribe Antibiotics For Fear Of Lawsuits

MRSA / Drug Resistance News From Medical News Today — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:00:00 +0100

A new study led by a team of researchers at New York Medical College suggests that that medical liability concerns may be playing a role in the increase of MRSA in healthcare settings by encouraging clinicians to prescribe antibiotics more often and more broadly than clinical circumstances and evidence-based guidelines warrant. The study appeared in the American Journal of Therapeutics... (Source: MRSA / Drug Resistance News From Medical News Today)

Some Doctors May Overprescribe Antibiotics For Fear Of Lawsuits

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:00:00 +0100

A new study led by a team of researchers at New York Medical College suggests that that medical liability concerns may be playing a role in the increase of MRSA in healthcare settings by encouraging clinicians to prescribe antibiotics more often and more broadly than clinical circumstances and evidence-based guidelines warrant. The study appeared in the American Journal of Therapeutics. The team analyzed census figures, statistics on population density of attorneys and physicians, and data on antibiotic utilization for the United States, Canada, and 15 European countries... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Some Doctors May Overprescribe Antibiotics For Fear Of Lawsuits

MRSA / Drug Resistance News From Medical News Today — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:00:00 +0100

Where Is It? The Utility of Biopsy-Site Photography

Dermatologic Surgery — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We present a case series of 34 biopsy-proven cutaneous head and neck malignancies performed in our university-based dermatology clinic, comparing the reliability of patient and blinded dermatologist identification with that of biopsy-site photography. Of 34 biopsy sites, the patient and the blinded dermatologist incorrectly identified four (12%). The patient alone incorrectly identified an additional six biopsy sites, resulting in a total of 10 (29%) cases incorrectly identified by the patient. There were no instances in which the patient correctly identified the biopsy site and the blinded dermatologist incorrectly identified it. In our current medical environment, in which more than 90% of health care is delivered in a clinic setting, wrong-site surgery is certainly underreported. In ado...

Forgoing malpractice insurance is not the best solution

Modern Medicine — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Going bare, or going without malpractice insurance, can leave you exposed to financial disaster. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Forgoing malpractice insurance is not the best solution

Modern Medicine Medical Economics — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Going bare, or going without malpractice insurance, can leave you exposed to financial disaster. (Source: Modern Medicine Medical Economics)

Udall files malpractice amendment to health-reform bill

bizjournals.com Health Care:Health Insurance headlines — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:45:13 +0100

U.S. Sen. Mark Udall on Thursday filed an amendment to the Senate’s health care reform bill intended to reduce the cost and complexity of medical malpractice lawsuits, which many consider a factor in the rising cost of health care. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Health Insurance headlines)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Udall files malpractice amendment to health-reform bill

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:45:13 +0100

Immigrants Lose Lawsuit Against Hospital In Atlanta

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:00:00 +0100

"Efforts to force the public hospital [in Atlanta, Ga.] to continue providing free dialysis treatment to a group of immigrants, most of them illegal, suffered a setback on Tuesday when a judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging the recent closing of the hospital's outpatient renal clinic," The New York Times reports. "A lawyer for the roughly 50 patients said he would appeal. But the ruling for Grady Memorial Hospital brings the patients closer to a Jan. 3 deadline for finding new sources of the life-sustaining dialysis treatment... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Immigrants Lose Lawsuit Against Hospital In Atlanta

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:00:00 +0100

"Efforts to force the public hospital [in Atlanta, Ga.] to continue providing free dialysis treatment to a group of immigrants, most of them illegal, suffered a setback on Tuesday when a judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging the recent closing of the hospital's outpatient renal clinic," The New York Times reports. "A lawyer for the roughly 50 patients said he would appeal... (Source: Public Health News From Medical News Today)

California Physicians Help Win Court Ruling On Rescissions Against Blue Cross Of California

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0100

A state appeals court sided with the California Medical Association (CMA) and the Los Angeles Medical Association (LACMA) in a decision today clearing the way for a lawsuit against Blue Cross of California for illegally cancelling health care coverage for patients after they got gravely sick. The ruling, posted at http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/opinions/, means a lawsuit filed by the Los Angeles city attorney can move forward in its pursuit of civil penalties, injunctive relief and monetary restitution for patients and providers... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Why Patients Sue Doctors: The Japanese Experience

The Journal of Law, Medicine and Ethics — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This article examines the Japanese health care system, particularly litigation over medical malpractice, and asks what (if anything) American scholars and policy makers can learn from the Japanese experience. (Source: The Journal of Law, Medicine and Ethics)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Can Health Courts Cure the Malpractice System?

Physicians Practice — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:22:33 +0100

Could the answer to the malpractice crisis be a whole new kind of court? Federal caps on pain-and-suffering awards aren’t coming soon, so we investigate another possibility. (Source: Physicians Practice)

Unsealed Court Documents Reveal Details Of Lawsuits Over Hormone Therapy

Breast Cancer News From Medical News Today — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:00:00 +0100

The New York Times on Sunday examined recently unsealed court documents from lawsuits arguing that drugmaker Wyeth oversold the benefits of its menopausal hormone drugs while failing to warn of their risks. Lawyers released some of the documents earlier this year, and the New York Times and the Public Library of Science successfully filed motions to unseal thousands more... (Source: Breast Cancer News From Medical News Today)

Unsealed Court Documents Reveal Details Of Lawsuits Over Hormone Therapy

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:00:00 +0100

It Is Patients Who Most Need Tort Reform

New England Journal of Medicine — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

There is a poor correlation between competence of care and malpractice lawsuits.1 The arbitrary-seeming nature of malpractice litigation places a dark cloud over all medical practice, encouraging wasteful defensive medical ... (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)

Keys to Avoiding Malpractice

Psychiatric Times — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:00:01 +0100

In the 33 years since I began medical school, psychiatric knowledge has greatly increased in depth and breadth, rendering much of what I originally was taught about diagnosis and treatment in need of revision. Critical concepts in malpractice have also been codified and studied since that time. We can now educate ourselves on the constituents of malpractice, as opposed to the vague admonitions I received in medical school to “watch out for the lawyers.” (Source: Psychiatric Times)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

[Fractures of the neck of the femur in younger patients (15-50 years old) : Systematic literature research on medial fractures of the neck of the femur in young patients.]

Der Unfallchirurg — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Sachse D, Bludau F, Obertacke U Non-pathologic fractures of the neck of the femur in younger patients aged between 15 and 50 years old are rare injuries. These are so-called effectual injuries with very high energy induction due to traffic accidents, falls and sport accidents, causing healthy bones to be fractured and often leading to multiple injuries. The short-term and long-term complications of such injuries sometimes give rise to substantial problems, in particular from non-union fractures and avascular necrosis of the head of the femur. In the literature (and from some experts) the impression is occasionally given that there might be "proven" successful therapeutic procedures for the methods and in particular the timing of treatment of fractures of the neck of the femur ...

National Alert System Launches To Prevent Deadly Medication Errors

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:00:00 +0100

Two leading health care organizations announce a new national alert system that helps prevent dangerous and repeated medication errors. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) are partnering to develop the National Alert Network for Serious Medication Errors (NAN). NAN will be triggered when a seriously harmful or potentially seriously harmful error has occurred. The alert will include a description of the error, as well as recommendations to prevent the same error in the future... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

[Incidence of malpractice claims involving pediatricians.]

Archives de Pediatrie — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Najaf-Zadeh A, Dubos F, Aurel M, Bons-Letouzey C, Amalberti R, Martinot A PMID: 20004559 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Archives de Pediatrie)

RSNA: Radiology full of malpractice minefields

Health Imaging News — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:26:27 +0100

CHICAGO--Radiologists who are caring, competent, comprehensive, consistent and credible should be able to practice their livelihood without too much fear of being sued for malpractice, according to a presentation "Minefields in Radiology," delivered Thursday at the Radiological Society of North American (RSNA) conference. (Source: Health Imaging News)

RSNA: Radiology full of malpractice minefields

Health Imaging News — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:26:27 +0100

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Medical Defence Union's Ten Point Plan To Help Hospital Doctors Avoid Medication Errors, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0100

Following today's publication of the GMC's study into prescribing errors in hospital1 which revealed that mistakes could be made by doctors at all levels, the Medical Defence Union (MDU), the UK's leading medical defence organisation, which represents over half of UK doctors, has published tips to help doctors avoid the most common problems. Dr Karen Roberts, MDU clinical risk manager said: "As the GMC's study shows, the level of medication errors in hospitals is very small compared to the number of patients who are successfully cared for and treated... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Medical tourism liability may fall on domestic doctors

Medical Economics - Malpractice — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

When a U.S. resident is sent abroad for treatment by a managed car company, does a patient have any available recourse if he or she is a victim of negligence? (Source: Medical Economics - Malpractice)

Confirmation Of Hamilton To Appeals Court Signals Hope For Ending Nomination Battles, Opinion Piece Says

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:00:00 +0100

Confirmation of Hamilton to Appeals Court Signals Hope for Ending Nomination Battles, Opinion Piece SaysAlthough the "machinations" surrounding the confirmation of U.S. Appeals Court Judge David Hamilton -- including a GOP filibuster attempt -- "might seem to continue the long-standing confirmation wars, the developments could actually help end these perennial battles," Carl Tobias, a professor at the University of Richmond School of Law, writes in a Baltimore Sun opinion piece... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Facebook flirting a no-no for British doctors

CTV Health — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:07:33 +0100

A British medical organization that advises doctors on avoiding malpractice cases is warning them not to respond to messages from patients on social networking sites such as Facebook. (Source: CTV Health)

Columbia Medical Testifies On Malpractice In State Senate

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0100

Lee Goldman, M.D., executive vice president for health and biomedical sciences and dean of the faculties of medicine and health sciences at Columbia University testified today on medical malpractice reform before the New York State Senate Committees on Codes, Health and Insurance in Albany, New York. Dr. Goldman is a cardiologist who has done extensive research on health outcomes. He spoke about the problems with New York State's current medical malpractice legal system and offered possible solutions. He also discussed how doctors are subject to oversight and review on many levels... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Ethics and Risk Management in Administrative Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:55:54 +0100

This article examines ethics (the philosophic study of “doing the right thing”) and risk management (the practice that seeks to manage the likelihood of “doing the wrong thing”) and the relationship between them in the context of administrative child and adolescent psychiatry. Issues that affect child and adolescent psychiatrists who manage staff and business units and clinical practitioners who treat and manage individual patients are addressed. Malpractice, budgeting, credentialing, boundaries, assessment, documentation, treatment, research, dangerousness, and confidentiality are among the topics reviewed. (Source: Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America)

Clarification and Update Notice for AHRQ Medical Malpractice Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs): RFA-HS-10-021 and RFA-HS-10-022

NIH Funding Opportunities (Notices, PA, RFA) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:35:48 +0100

Notice from the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts (Source: NIH Funding Opportunities (Notices, PA, RFA))

Medical malpractice lawsuits drop by 40 percent

bizjournals.com Health Care:Health Insurance headlines — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0100

The number of medical malpractice lawsuits filed in Wisconsin has decreased by more than 40 percent since 2002; however, Milwaukee-area attorneys said it is not because medicine has gotten safer. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Health Insurance headlines)

Medical malpractice lawsuits drop by 40 percent

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Malpractice Reform and Health Care Costs

Sound Medicine — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Another issue that's still unresolved as the Senate takes up its version of health care reform: what to do about the medical malpractice system. And when we spoke recently, Dr. Carroll said that, while he thinks that system needs an overhaul, fixing it probably won't make much difference in the total cost of health care. Dr. Aaron Carroll is Sound Medicine's regular analyst for the health ca.... (Source: Sound Medicine)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

From chronic rhinitis to death: Fatal outcome of nasal polyposis treatment

Forensic Science International Supplement Series — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:16:37 +0100

Conclusion: Although majority of the patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis or NP recover well after the endoscopic surgery, the possibility of undesirable outcome must not be ignored. This case calls for assessment of potential medical liability caused by malpractice. Having in mind rather high prevalence of chronic rhinosinusitis and NP, legal aspects of postoperative death should be carefully analyzed. (Source: Forensic Science International Supplement Series)

Massachusetts Lawsuit On Part-Timers And Health Care, Utahns Satisfied With Insurance

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0100

News outlets report on a health care lawsuit in Massachusetts, a tobacco tax in Colorado and health plan ratings in Utah. The Boston Globe reports: "A group of part-time community college instructors filed a lawsuit yesterday against the state, saying that hundreds of adjunct faculty in Massachusetts' public higher education system are unfairly denied health care coverage. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Massachusetts Lawsuit On Part-Timers And Health Care, Utahns Satisfied With Insurance

Smoking / Quit Smoking News From Medical News Today — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0100

News outlets report on a health care lawsuit in Massachusetts, a tobacco tax in Colorado and health plan ratings in Utah. The (Source: Smoking / Quit Smoking News From Medical News Today)

Burnout And Mental Distress Strongly Related To Errors By U.S. Surgeons

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0100

Major medical errors self-reported by American surgeons are strongly related to both burnout and depression. Those findings appear in the online edition of Annals of Surgery. The Mayo Clinic-led study included collaborators from Johns Hopkins and the American College of Surgeons. In the confidential study, nearly 9 percent of U.S. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Malpractice Litigation Continues to Be of Concern to Nurse Practitioners

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:12:49 +0100

Malpractice claims continue to rise, but there is much that NPs can do proactively to reduce the risk of being sued. Medscape Nurses (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Surgeons, Medical Errors, and Burnout

About.com Health Careers — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Is burnout affecting your practice? A recent survey of thousands of members of the American College of Surgeons, published by the Annals of Surgery, found that roughly 9% of surgeons fear they have committed a serious medical error in the past three months of their career. According to The Wall Street Journal Health Blog, those surgeons who have committed recent medical errors are more likely to suffer from burnout and depression, the survey found. However, it has not been determined if the errors caused the depression, or if the depression led to the medical errors. Of the nearly 8,000 surgeons who responded to the survey, about 40% described themselves as "burned out", and 30% have suffered from depression, according to The Wall Street Journal. If you're feeling intense stress in your...

Defensive medicine: Can it increase your malpractice risk?

Malpractice Verdicts — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:34:00 +0100

Douglas Mossman, MD (Source: Malpractice Verdicts)

Camano Island Man Indicted For Scheme To Steal And Sell Diabetic Supplies

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0100

MICHAEL RALPH WORLEY, 43, of Camano Island, Washington, and DONALD ALAN PEPIN, 55, of Jupiter, Florida, were charged late yesterday by a federal grand jury in Seattle, Washington, with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Engage in Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property and six counts of Wire Fraud. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

The Medical Protection Society Welcomes The Relaunch Of Being Open

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0100

Today MPS welcomes the relaunch of the National Patient Safety Agency's (NPSA) Being Open policy. We have long supported and advised members to be open with patients about their mistakes. Being Open encourages healthcare professionals to acknowledge to patients when something has gone wrong, say sorry, explain what happened and what will happen next. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

MedWorm: Malpractice

Supreme Court To Consider Legality Of Lawsuits Against Vaccine Makers

Supreme Court To Consider Legality Of Lawsuits Against Vaccine Makers

Senate Judiciary Committee Approves Office Of Legal Counsel Nominee Johnsen For Second Time

A response to “Autopsy Profiles of Malpractice Cases” [16(1) (2009) 7–10]

Sociology Professor Reveals That It's Who You Kill That Matters

Sociology Professor Reveals That It's Who You Kill That Matters

What Is An Emergency Physicians Duty?

Medical Board Accused of Enforcing 'Conspiracy of Silence'

State Supreme Court Weighs Medical Malpractice Caps In Case That Would Impact Doctors, Patients

Medical ID Thefts Can Harm Patients' Health; Prosecutors Go After Medicare Fraud

State Supreme Court Weighs Medical Malpractice Caps In Case That Would Impact Doctors, Patients

Medical ID Thefts Can Harm Patients' Health; Prosecutors Go After Medicare Fraud

California Consumer Group Sues Anthem Blue Cross For Changing Policies And Then Raising Rates

Medical Malpractice/Expert Testimony/Disclosure of Errors

Call for church to renounce book aimed at victims of child sexual abuse

State Roundup: S.C. Plan Would End Benefits To 30,000 Disabled Residents; Judge Bars Calif. From Cutting Elderly From Day Care; Mass. Faces Lawsuit

State Roundup: S.C. Plan Would End Benefits To 30,000 Disabled Residents; Judge Bars Calif. From Cutting Elderly From Day Care; Mass. Faces Lawsuit

Responding to an Accusation of Malpractice

Bipartisanship Unlikely After Health Summit; Party Unity Obama's Next Best Bet

The Diagnosis of Mental Disorders in Clinical Social Work: A Review of Standards of Care

Splitting treatment: How to limit liability risk when you share a patient's care

Lessons from Nursing Home Dysphagia Malpractice Litigation.

Trial For Lawsuit Against Anthem Blue Cross Begins In California

House Antitrust Bill Will Keep Exemption For Med-Mal Insurers

Trial For Lawsuit Against Anthem Blue Cross Begins In California

Ethicon Endo-Surgery Announces Agreement With Hologic Inc. To Resolve Patent Disputes

What we can learn from a case of medical malpractice--a case of suicide caused by bullying between male nurses. - Kuwabara H, Honda Y, Makita S, Okabe M, Sumioka R, Kobayashi H.

Cleveland Medical Malpractice Attorney Obtains Settlement in Wrongful Death Case

KHN Column - Malpractice Reform: A Test Case For Bipartisanship At The Health Summit

Climate wars damage the scientists but we all stand to lose in the battle | David Adam

Lawyer Repellant

Miami Prescription Drug Diverter Sentenced To 70 Months In Prison

Nilita Vientos Gaston Writing Competition

Trusts Must Learn From Safety Errors, UK

Communication failure: A surefire route to malpractice court

Dems Concede on Malpractice Insurers

Company Pleads Guilty To Felony Misbranding Of A Drug

Company Pleads Guilty To Felony Misbranding Of A Drug

Subject Sentenced To 51 Months For Sale Of Unapproved Medical Devices

Subject Sentenced To 51 Months For Sale Of Unapproved Medical Devices

Texas Whistle-Blowing Nurse Is Acquitted

Texas Whistle-Blowing Nurse Is Acquitted

Which Standard of Care?

New Screening System For Hepatitis C

New Screening System For Hepatitis C

Brothers Sentenced For The Illegal Sale And Supply Of Lifestyle Drugs

Today's Opinions And Editorials: A Litigation Explosion, Anthem Blue Cross And Starting Fresh

A Useful Tool To Diagnose Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

Your Malpractice Risk When Your Hospitalized Patient Has a "Never Event"

Defensive Medicine, Cost Containment, and Reform

Illinois High Court Rules Medical Malpractice Caps Are Unconstitutional

Illinois High Court Rules Medical Malpractice Caps Are Unconstitutional

Moderating Malpractice Costs

Nurse to Stand Trial for Reporting Doctor

Nurse to Stand Trial for Reporting Doctor

In Texas, a Trial and Possible Prison Time for Reporting a Doctor

In Texas, a Trial and Possible Prison Time for Reporting a Doctor

Illinois Supreme Court Strikes Down Medical Malpractice Law

Second Confirmation Hearing For DOJ Nominee Johnsen Unnecessary, New York Times Editorial States

Second Confirmation Hearing For DOJ Nominee Johnsen Unnecessary, New York Times Editorial States

Judge Hears Arguments In Challenge To Patents On Genes Tied To Breast, Ovarian Cancer

Judge Hears Arguments In Challenge To Patents On Genes Tied To Breast, Ovarian Cancer

Federal Government Indicts Sutter/CPMC To Block Illegal Health Plan Imposed On San Francisco RNs

Congress Faces One-Month Deadline On Doctor Payment Fix

Roeder Convicted Of First-Degree Murder In Shooting Of Abortion Provider Tiller

Telehealth and Telenursing Are Live: APN Policy and Practice Implications

Algorithm for Evaluating Palpable Breast Mass Recommended

Judge Bars Voluntary Manslaughter Defense, Defendant Testifies In Tiller Murder Trial

Doctors cut back hours when risk of malpractice suit rises, study shows

Health News of the Day

Malpractice risk affects doctors' hours

Researching Doctors - Doctor Background Check

Doctors cut back hours when risk of malpractice suit rises

Risk Of Malpractice Suit Affects Hours Doctors Work

Lathrop & Gage to pay $7.4M to settle malpractice suit

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Associated With High Mortality Rates

Out-Of-Hours Complaints Up By Half Says Medical Defence Union

Doctors cut back hours when risk of malpractice suit rises, study shows

Jury still out on whether EHRs reduce malpractice risk [PEDIATRICIANS AND THE LAW]

What Is An Emergency Physicians Duty?