title: [Physician's legal responsibility].
abstract: The professional responsibility of the physician and the concept of malpractice are analyzed. In determining malpractice, the intention and the mode of action are more important than the actual damage that may be caused. Legal sanctions for malpractice must be based on objective evidence of inexcusable negligence in the medical action. A moral attitude stressing the values of Medicine rather than fear from legal sanctions should underlie all medical practice.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Medicina, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Alonso
mesh_terms: D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012941:Social Responsibility
vernacular_title: La responsabilidad legal del medico.