Risk management for physician assistants.

Abstract

Until recently, physicians traditionally assumed malpractice liability for those to whom they delegated responsibility. Evolution of malpractice law during the past years has seen dependent practitioners held accountable to a standard of care expected to be provided by peers. Physician assistants are no longer protected from liability or suit. The most common action of liability is professional negligence; other actions include breach of contract, battery, informed consent, defamation of character, and invasion of privacy. Accurate diagnoses, good interpersonal skills, and proper documentation of the medical record at all times are the clinician's most effective tools in avoiding a malpractice lawsuit.