The Neurologists’ Program was pleased to contribute to the 2010 Neurology on the Hill. Jacqueline Melonas, RN, MS, JD, the Senior Vice President of Risk Management at PRMS, manager of TNP, presented, "The Physician-Patient Relationship: Do You Know When It Exists?" This talk, introduced by AAN Executive Director/CEO Catherine M. Rydell, addressed the physician-patient relationship and the activities that may cause a neurologist to cross the line into a physician-patient relationship unaware.  

During this talk, Ms. Melonas presented a recent Oregon Court of Appeals case that illustrated the peril in not understanding when a physician-patient relationship is established.  Ms. Melonas stated, "The patient-doctor relationship is a unique relationship that brings with it professional, ethical and legal duties. The first element that a plaintiff must prove in a medical malpractice claim is that a legal duty was owed to the patient. This duty arises with the establishment of the special relationship between a doctor and the patient. It is not always clear when that relationship begins and triggers the doctor's responsibilities to the patient and liabilities in the event of alleged adverse outcome in treatment. This issue can impact many situations such as on-call responsibilities, consultations, and doing independent medical evaluations. Neurologists can reduce medical professional liability risk by clarifying when the patient-doctor begins and when it ends."

 

Following Ms. Melonas’s presentation, representatives from TNP were available to speak with attendees about insurance options and risk management questions.