Psychiatric home care. An evolving legal standard.
The treatment of mentally ill individuals in the home setting increases a psychiatrist's therapeutic responsibilities to the patient with commensurate greater legal exposure. Because psychiatric home care is in its infancy, the standard of care to be followed in implementing this therapy is still evolving. This article examines a psychiatrist's legal duties in providing home care as well as methods of practice to minimize allegations of inappropriate care.
D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D003219:Confidentiality / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003617:Dangerous Behavior; D003688:Deinstitutionalization / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D008501:Medical Records, Problem-Oriented; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014754:Violence