Legal Issues

Author(s):
Brigid Sheridan, RN, JD Associate General Council

University Health System
San Antonio, TX

Published:
October 2, 2014

Abstract

Lawsuits against healthcare providers typically involve both civil actions against an organization and professional malpractice suits against physicians and other healthcare practitioners that work at the organization. The fear of litigation is the primary reason practitioners pay attention to standards, state rules, and federal laws that govern their practice. The specialty of infection prevention brings to light many issues that have both legal and ethical implications that should be considered in any decision-making process.