Liability issues in the treatment of patients with rheumatic diseases.

Overview

In clinical practice, risk management focuses primarily on concerns regarding adverse occurrences and the possibility of resulting civil litigation. Tort law, one of the major branches of civil law, is most relevant to clinical risk management. Duty, breach, causation, and damages are the four elements of the tort of professional liability, i.e., medical malpractice. Liability concerns in clinical practice commonly involve adverse drug reactions. Other potential liability concerns include informed consent, adverse outcomes, and economic considerations.