Description:
This presentation will review several important medical-legal subjects with the objective of providing guidance to physicians about reducing the risks of potential liability without compromising effective patient care. In particular, attendees will learn the ruling of the United States Supreme Court in Ruan v. United States and the implications of that decision with respect to physician’s prescribing controlled substances. The presentation will also discuss the role of expert witnesses in a variety of contexts including licensing actions, medical malpractice actions, and peer review proceedings as well as the role of a non-expert treating physician in litigation involving a physician’s patient. Finally, the presentation will review some considerations regarding the law of informed consent in light of the ever-
increasing range of treatment options available to patients for many different diagnoses.
Objectives:
1. Following this lecture, participants will be knowledgeable about the legal standards by
which physicians can be held accountable in criminal prosecutions for alleged inappropriate prescribing of controlled substances.
2. Following this lecture, participants will understand the role of expert witnesses in a
variety of different proceedings potentially affecting the rights of physicians ranging from licensing proceedings, peer review proceedings and medical malpractice actions.
3. Following this lecture participants will understand the obligations of physicians with respect to providing informed consent to their patients in terms of informing them of anticipated
benefits, potential risks, and information about alternative options for treatment.
The Maine Osteopathic Association is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. The Maine Osteopathic Association designates this program for a maximum of 1.0 AOA Category 1-A credits and will report CME and specialty credits commensurate with the extent of the physician’s participation in this activity.
MOA Grievance Policy: All grievances should be initially directed in writing to the MOA Executive Director by email to info@mainedo.org who will share them with the MOA's Program Committee. Grievances will receive a response within 30 days of receipt. If you do not receive a satisfactory response, you may notify the Council on Continuing Medical Education, AOA, 142 East Ontario St., Chicago, IL 60611.