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Risk management in mental health

Clinicians are not held liable simply because something bad happened, e.g., a side effect occurred or a patient harmed himself. Clinicians are held liable if it was their negligence that led to the harm. So, we must make sure we take the appropriate precautions to reduce the risk of bad outcomes and that our actions and reasoning are documented.

Here are some valuable resources with practical tips about risk management. A few of them are articles on this website. The others are from PRMS, a leading malpractice insurance company (used with their permission) or links to articles on other websites.


Risk management—Prescribing

Don’t fail to document this crucial part of informed consent 

Off-label prescribing: Clinical recommendations

What are the regulations regarding prescribing out-of-state?

Are YOU liable if the patient doesn’t get essential blood tests done?

Can I take my medication with me when I travel to another country?

What to do about medications when traveling to Japan 

Prescribing controlled substances: Managing the risks (PRMS)

Reducing risk when prescribing for children and adolescents (PRMS)

Myths & Misconceptions: Patients who obtain multiple prescriptions (PRMS)

Medication samples in the office: Understand the risks to the patient and to the psychiatrist (PRMS)

Risk Management Considerations When Patients Are Noncompliant With Medications (Psychiatric News)

Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs)


Risk management—Suicide

Practical pointers for managing risk when treating patients with suicidal behaviors (PRMS)

Lessons to be learned: A review of post-suicide malpractice lawsuits (PRMS)


Risk management—Special populations

Reducing risk when prescribing for children and adolescents (PRMS)

Practical risk management pointers for the treatment of geropsychiatric patients (PRMS)

Risk Management Considerations When Treating Fellow Physicians (Psychiatric News)


Risk management—Supervision and Consultation

The “curbside” consult and what it means for you (PRMS)

Supervision of nurse practitioners


Risk management—Termination of the care of a patient

How much notice when “terminating” a patient?

Tips on writing and sending a termination letter

Do’s and Don’ts for providing referrals when the care of a patient is terminated

Termination of treatment (audio interview)

Termination of the physician-patient relationship (PRMS)

Termination of the physician-patient relationship: Do’s & Dont’s (PRMS)


Risk management—HIPAA

Why (HIPAA-compliant) emails with patients are invaluable

Risk management concerns regarding email with patients

Communicating with patients via email (link to PRMS website)

Is your desktop or laptop computer HIPAA-compliant?

Use a VPN when accessing/ sending patient information over a public Wi-Fi network

Which VPN services are highly recommended?


Risk management—Documentation

A golden rule for documentation (YouTube video)


Risk management—Other topics

Medical malpractice insurance companies for mental health clinicians 

Failing to plan…is planning to fail (PRMS)

Risk Management Considerations When Evaluating Fitness for Duty (Psychiatric News)


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Disclaimer: The material on this website is provided as general education for medical professionals. It is not intended or recommended for patients or other laypersons or as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients must always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding their diagnosis and treatment. Healthcare professionals should always check this website for the most recently updated information.

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Copyright 2016 to 2025: Simple and Practical Medical Education, LLC. All rights reserved.