Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk: Guidelines for Clinically Based Risk ManagementPatient suicide is an unavoidable occupational hazard of psychiatric practice. Indeed, it is the rare clinician who does not struggle, even agonize, over the complex task of assessing and managing the risk of suicide in patients. Patient suicides account for the greatest number of malpractice suits filed against psychiatrists and for the greatest number of settlements and verdicts covered by professional liability insurers. In this book, written by a clinician for clinicians, Dr. Simon, an established expert in psychiatry and law, offers A solid, easy-to-understand review of how medical malpractice law applies to patient suicides. He discusses the standards of care physicians must meet, the conditions associated with malpractice liability, and how best to minimize risks of litigation. Extensive references to peer-reviewed literature on suicide and recent malpractice cases, including those triggered by patient suicides, which give insight into the latest developments in both the scientific community and the courts. Much-needed practical advice, including advice on working with suicide risk assessments and suicide prevention contracts, on treating suicidal patients in various settings (outpatient, inpatient, collaborative, and emergency), and on coping with issues arising in the aftermath of a patient's suicide (documentation, confidentiality, and survivor care). Clearly defined risk management guidelines that will help clinicians avoid litigation or establish a sound legal defense if sued for malpractice. Numerous case examples that make the theoretical discussions and clinically based risk management guidelines that follow come alive. Rich in advice that draws on the author's more than 40 years of clinical experience, this book serves as an essential aid to clinicians. |
From inside the book
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... responsible . States vary in their definition of the standard of care required of a mental health professional . The specific legal language , usually " care ordinarily employed " or the " reasonable , prudent practitioner , " is ...
... responsible . The patient had access to emergency care , if she felt she required it . The defense at- torney claims that the psychiatrist's failure to respond to the pa- tient's telephone calls was not the direct cause of the patient's ...
... responsible for all of the natural and direct consequences of their acts . In some extreme situations , punitive damages may be awarded . In a malpractice action , punitive damages are awarded only when the defendant's conduct is ...
... responsibility the law will impute to a patient . Such lim- its are illustrated in the case of Cowan v . Doering ... responsible for the injury suffered , recovery for damages is not permitted . Benke ( 2000 ) noted that competence ...
... responsibility in committing suicide ( Slovenko 2002 ) . Under a comparative negligence statute , an accident victim receiving a $ 1,000 award who was 20 % at fault would recover only $ 800 . Governmental immunity is a defense in some ...
Contents
1 | |
25 | |
Discharge and Aftercare | 36 |
Partial Hospitalization Programs and Intensive | 79 |
5 | 105 |
Emergency Psychiatric Services | 173 |
Documentation | 191 |
Index of Legal Cases and Statutes | 217 |
Other editions - View all
Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk: Guidelines for Clinically Based Risk ... Robert I. Simon No preview available - 2004 |