Full Answer Section

1. Direct liability: This is liability for the physician/employer’s own actions. For example, a physician/employer may be directly liable for medical malpractice if they fail to meet the standard of care owed to their patients.

Role and purpose of risk management:

Risk management is the process of identifying, assessing, and controlling risks. In the healthcare setting, risk management is used to identify and reduce the risk of medical malpractice and other types of liability.

Risk management can help to protect patients from harm and can also help to reduce the cost of medical care. By identifying and reducing risks, healthcare organizations can avoid costly lawsuits and other legal problems.

Examples of risk management activities in the healthcare setting:

• Developing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure that healthcare professionals are following the standard of care.
• Providing training to healthcare professionals on risk management and patient safety.
• Conducting regular audits and reviews to identify and address potential risks.
• Maintaining adequate insurance coverage to protect against financial losses in the event of a lawsuit.

Sources:

• American Medical Association. “Professional Liability.”
• The Joint Commission. “Risk Management.”

Conclusion

Professional liability and medical malpractice are serious issues that can have devastating consequences for patients and healthcare professionals alike. By understanding their legal obligations and implementing risk management strategies, healthcare professionals and employers can help to protect themselves and their patients.