Medicolegal implications of the incompetent, errant, and "sick" physician: changing times.
A great deal of publicity has been given recently to the problems and consequences of incompetent and errant physicians. There has been great clamor on this subject from many sources-the medical profession, the legal community, the legislatures, the judiciary, and the public. All of these interested parties have undertaken studies to evaluate the nature and sources of the problem. Based on the knowledge thus acquired and on past experience, reforms have been suggested and implemented by each of the groups. The results of the studies and experiences are examined, and the remedies are outlined and analyzed in this paper. There is sufficient evidence to suggest that reforms are proving productive. Finally, the prognosis for the problem is explored.
D007603:Jurisprudence; D008318:Malpractice; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital; D010380:Peer Review