Professional Regulation and Criminal Liability

1624 Words7 Pages
There are many professional regulations and criminal liabilities defined in the health care industry. Acts and behaviors set as professional misconduct for physicians are placed for them to be aware of what situations may fall in these categories. The most common acts and behaviors reported as misconduct fit under groups such as negligence, incompetence, impairment, sexual abuse, and fraud (Jung, Lurie, & Wolfe, 2006). Medical misconduct is an issue faced by many physicians. This is an important aspect for physicians to understand because medical misconduct may prove to be detrimental to their career. Identifying the civil complaint process for patients or consumers used in the event of suspected professional misconduct or incompetence provides a clear understanding of how the consumer files a complaint of a physician. Explaining the role of the respective regulatory agency in investigation of allegations, determining, and applying any appropriate disciplinary action present an explanation of how misconducts are held accountable in the health care industry. Identification of potential criminal liabilities for physicians related to abuses perpetrated in practices involving these issues as well as misconduct emphasize why physicians must treat patients adequately in the proper manner. The appropriate risk management strategies and quality assurance programs that offer in reducing the risk of liability and negligence are of value to many organizations. The process to follow in the event that criminal charges are filed for a criminal behavior explains the consequences of such action. Civil Complaint Process for Consumers Patients give their trust to a physician when they seek medical care. Patients have the right to understand the process of filing a complaint against a physician when they believe misconduct or incompetence occurs during his or her care.
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