Pros and Cons of Allowing Family into the Trauma Bay
Many years ago, the presence of family members during cardiopulmonary resuscitation was verboten. The reigning principles were two-fold. Family members would get in the way of allowing the team to save the loved one. And they would be emotionally scarred forever. The medical literature has … Read more
Looking for Deep Pockets
Ebola is making a comeback in Africa. Fortunately, the World Health Organization is on top of it. Further, vaccines are being distributed. Hopefully these vaccines will prove safe and efficacious. Which brings me to Coming Attractions Bride and Formal in Ohio. “Coming Attractions” went out … Read more
Ambulance Chasers on Mobile Phones
When you vote, supporters for a candidate carrying leaflets and signs have to stay outside of some defined perimeter. You’re not supposed to be pestered as you walk into the voting booth. And, there are billboards of personal injury attorneys not too far from hospitals. … Read more
Arbitration for Med Mal. One Sentence You Must Include in Your Agreements.
Imagine you received a request for records from a medical malpractice attorney. Not a good start to your day. But, the clock is ticking. The statute of limitations is about to run. If the clock runs out, you’re home free. (Actually, not always the case, … Read more
Using Alexa in the Operating Room
A client recently asked our thoughts on using Alexa in the operating room. Presumably, the tasks Alexa would be charged with doing would be basic. Turn the lights on. Turn the lights off. Make a call. And so on. For those of you unfamiliar with … Read more
Pesky Little Details in Brain Death Determination
We have previously written about medico-legal challenges related to brain death determination. The American Academy of Neurology updated its guidelines in 2010 to create more uniform determination. Its checklist is as below. There’s a checklist related to systemic information (eg: the patient is in a coma, systolic blood pressure … Read more
The Curious Case of Cassandra
Not too long ago, the Connecticut Supreme Court ruled on a case called in re Cassanda C. The case dealt with a mature minor; someone not quite 18, but close, and whether they are entitled to make their own medical decisions. If any reader has … Read more
British Hairdresser Sentenced to Life in Prison for Infecting Men with HIV
The Center for HIV Law and Policy recently published an illustrative (though not exhaustive) list of 332 arrests and prosecutions for HIV exposure in the US between 2008-2017. ‘ To illustrate but a handful: October 2017: a 28 year old man was arrested in Florida … Read more
Stuck by a Needle. Your Patient Refuses Consent for HIV Testing. Now What?
We recently blogged about a healthcare worker who was on the receiving end of a needlestick injury. The source patient agreed to be tested for HIV and hepatitis B and C. While the initial HIV test was positive, repeat testing was negative. Great news. The … Read more
Spousal Consent for Vasectomy
A note to doctors: We are open to reviewing your consent forms for vasectomies. You definitely want to get these consent forms right – and one way to reduce your risk is to have that consent form vetted by expert counsel. Schedule a consultation with … Read more
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