Law & psychiatry: Liability issues associated with referrals to self-help groups.
Self-help groups, which are also referred to as mutual aid groups, are widely recognized as an important component of a comprehensive public mental health system that promotes recovery. Nonetheless, some psychiatrists and other providers have expressed concerns about these consumer-run groups and fear potential liability if they make referrals and something harmful occurs. This column reviews potential liability claims that could be made pertaining to referrals to self-help groups. The authors conclude that the likelihood of success of a plaintiff's claim is small. Recommendations are given for further lowering the likelihood of a successful suit.
Salzer
Mark S
MS
Center for Mental Health Policy and Services Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. mark.salzer@uphs.upenn.edu
Kundra
Loran B
LB
D006801:Humans; D016365:Liability, Legal; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*