Journal article
Legal liability of medical toxicologists serving as poison control center consultants: a review of relevant legal statutes and survey of the experience of medical toxicologists
Journal of medical toxicology, v 5(3)
Sep 2009
PMID: 19655289
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Legal liability is an increasing concern in many areas of medicine, although the extent to which this alters the practice of medicine is unclear. To date the risk for litigation against medical toxicologists serving in the role of poison control center (PCC) consultants has not been assessed.
A survey questionnaire was mailed to medical toxicologists in the United States to assess their litigation history with regard specifically to their role as PCC consultants. In addition, state laws were examined for statutes that provide protective language with regard to medical toxicologists working as PCC consults.
This survey revealed that most medical toxicologists have served or currently serve as PCC consultants. Most had some degree of concern over legal liability, and several had been sued as a result of PCC consultations. Several states have specific statutes that limit the legal liability of PCCs and their employees, including medical directors and consulting medical toxicologists.
Based on the survey results, legal action against toxicologists serving as PCC consultants appears to be an uncommon occurrence. Lawsuits are usually based upon nonfeasance and have typically been settled or dropped before trial.
Legal liability is a concern for PCC consultants. However, legal action against consultants appears to be rare, and respondents to the survey indicated that it did not affect their advice or willingness to serve as PC consultants. A limited number of states have enacted laws that provide protection for medical toxicologists serving as PCC consultants.
Metrics
Details
- Title
- Legal liability of medical toxicologists serving as poison control center consultants: a review of relevant legal statutes and survey of the experience of medical toxicologists
- Creators
- John A Curtis - Drexel UniversityMichael Greenberg - Drexel University
- Publication Details
- Journal of medical toxicology, v 5(3)
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Emergency Medicine
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000442826000009
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-70350448698
- Other Identifier
- 991019168374504721
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InCites Highlights
Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:
- Web of Science research areas
- Toxicology