What to do when bad things happen?

• Ensure the safety of your Patient/Client.
• Provide full and immediate disclosure if you are certain you made a mistake (e.g., gave medication to which the person is allergic).
• Don't accept responsibility/liability for what was NOT your fault.
• If it was your fault, have a conversation. "How can I make things right?"
• Whether or not it was your fault, treat this Patient/Client as you would any other who has a crisis.
• If it was your fault, don't send a bill for the services that caused the harm. Refund an appropriate amount if pre-payment was made.
• Report to your insurance carrier, whether you think the person will pursue a claim or not.

Myth or Fact: My patient can't sue me for a known complication that was consented to.

MYTH: Informed consent does not mean consenting to substandard care. Consent forms are tools but they can't entirely protect you.

The only way to reduce your risk of harming a patient/client and having a claim or suit brought against you is to practice safely, lawfully and credibly and make sound choices. To help you do that, we can help you with: