Recent developments in HMO malpractice liability: Chase v. Independent Practice Association.
The court's decision in Chase demonstrates that an HMO or independent practice association need not incur liability for the negligence of a physician if the arrangement between the entity and the physicians who provide services on its behalf is properly structured and maintained. IPA's successful defense of this lawsuit was based upon: (1) careful structuring of an independent relationship with the medical group, including appropriate wording in the contract establishing the relationship; and (2) careful maintenance of the relationship consistent with the terms of the contract to avoid giving patients any reason to believe that an agency relationship existed.
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D003284:Contract Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005260:Female; D006279:Health Maintenance Organizations / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007193:Independent Practice Associations / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000458:organization & administration; D016365:Liability, Legal; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D008404:Massachusetts; D009935:Organizational Affiliation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D010820:Physicians / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D011247:Pregnancy