Social networking 101 for physicians
October 19, 2009
The usefulness of online social networking is undeniable and it’s no surprise that physicians are embracing it.
But lawyers and other experts warn that these tools present a minefield of legal and professional hazards for medical professionals who don’t take the utmost care in how, what and where they post. Read more
Credentialing file isn’t protected by peer-review privilege
October 15, 2009
The Board of Registration in Medicine may be entitled to look at certain documents in a doctor’s hospital credentialing file even though it hasn’t begun formal disciplinary proceedings against the doctor.
That’s the result of a new decision from the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. Read more
Why saying ‘I’m sorry’ helps to heal: Patients’ attorneys shed light on the benefits of apology
June 25, 2009
By Jeffrey N. Catalano, Esq.
and Lisa G. Arrowood, Esq.
Mediation in a medical negligence lawsuit we handled last year started like any other, but took an unexpected twist.
The case involved the tragic death of a young girl, whom we will call Samantha, from an undiagnosed and untreated shunt malfunction in her brain. Read more
Doctors try to stop patients from rating them online
June 25, 2009
By Peter Vieth
An increasing number of physicians across the country are trying to control what patients say about them on physician rating websites by requiring patients to sign agreements stating that that they won’t make comments about them without their permission. Read more
Med-mal filings fall in Massachusetts
June 24, 2009
By Julia Reischel
The number of medical-malpractice lawsuits filed in Massachusetts has been declining over the past several years, suggesting that attorneys who represent patients are exercising greater caution in the cases they accept, according to lawyers and insurers. Read more
Doctors must pay attention to drug company gift ban
March 30, 2009
Now that the state Public Health Council has approved of the most extensive and restrictive ban in the country on pharmaceutical companies giving gifts to doctors, physicians cannot rest easy.
While the regulations govern only the activity of drug and device companies, not doctors themselves, any prescriber who receives an improper benefit from a drug or device company still risks serious reputational damage – and possibly professional discipline or even prosecution under state anti-kickback laws, health law experts say. Read more
Hospitals fight off infections and lawsuits
February 1, 2009
Several recent developments indicate that hospitals may face increasing liability for infections that patients acquire in the hospital.
On Nov. 6, a Suffolk County jury awarded $13.5 million to a 40-year-old Hopkinton woman who died of a flesh-eating bacteria that she contracted during chemotherapy treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
‘Medical credit cards’ could lead to suits against doctors
October 17, 2008
Many doctors and dentists across the country are marketing medical credit cards to their patients, but lawyers say that in some cases they could lead to lawsuits against providers.
The cards could lead to a host of claims under state laws – such as unfair and deceptive practices and predatory lending statutes – being brought against a medical provider for not making proper disclosures.
Ghostwriting dispute spooks researchers
June 13, 2008
Recent allegations that Merck used ghostwriters to write articles about Vioxx have left some experts saying that the practice could compromise the integrity of the scientific research system.
Tripling concerns for health care employers
June 13, 2008
By John J. Slater III and Courtney A. Clark
Physicians and health care administrators whose attention has undoubtedly been focused on the financial implications of the Commonwealth’s health insurance initiative must put a new legislative mandate on their radar screen.
The state Legislature passed a bill that will make violations of the Massachusetts Wage Act subject to mandatory triple damages, even for inadvertent violations.
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