title: Legal and ethical problems in intensive care units.
abstract: The intent of this article is to increase the awareness of physicians working in intensive care units as to their legal and ethical responsibilities, and the potential for serious harm they can do to patients with the inevitable malpractice law suit if patient damage does occur. This article also suggests some defences in the event that physicians get involved in the legal cobweb.
authors.affiliation: Long Island Jewish Medical Centre, NY.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Vevaina
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kassoff
mesh_terms: D016223:Advance Directives; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D007325:Institutional Practice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000592:standards; D016365:Liability, Legal; D008020:Life Support Care / Q000592:standards; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D010344:Patient Advocacy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014481:United States; D028761:Withholding Treatment