ED Legal Letter – February 1, 2016

February 1, 2016

• Did Your ED Examine a Mass Shooter?

  Lawsuit could allege inadequate evaluation; EPs could be liable for violent acts of patients.

  Read more about Did Your ED Examine a Mass Shooter? - ED Legal Letter – February 1, 2016

• Psych Patients Held in ED for Days Create Legal Risks for EPs

  Some patients discharged without evaluation.

  Read more about Psych Patients Held in ED for Days Create Legal Risks for EPs - ED Legal Letter – February 1, 2016

• Assuming Patient’s Symptoms ‘Just Psychiatric’ Is Legally Risky

  EPs sometimes assume that delusions, hallucinations, agitation, and other psychiatric complaints are due to a psychiatric illness without performing a complete history and physical examination.

  Read more about Assuming Patient’s Symptoms ‘Just Psychiatric’ Is Legally Risky - ED Legal Letter – February 1, 2016

• Complacency Is Risky for Frequent ED Users with Psychiatric History

  Assumptions of “same old” symptoms are dangerous.

  Read more about Complacency Is Risky for Frequent ED Users with Psychiatric History - ED Legal Letter – February 1, 2016

• EPs Often Unaware of Psychiatric Patients’ EMTALA Risks

  Screening must cover both medical and mental health.

  Read more about EPs Often Unaware of Psychiatric Patients’ EMTALA Risks - ED Legal Letter – February 1, 2016