Focus on Liability of Residences for Elderly and Sick People: A Case Series and Medico-Legal Issues

Abstract

Residences for elderly and sick people, self-sufficient or dependent, are varied. To date, the liability profiles of thesestructures are not clearly delineated, andincreasingly often, their operating and organization criteria are entrusted to subnational, regional, or local regulations. Among the various deficits, there is the keeping of a complete and detailed documentation/diary of the patient, the lack of which can generate medico-legal problems.Inthis paper, we presentthree cases of guests in residences for a dependent person brought to the attention of the Institute of Forensic Medicine of the University Hospital of Palermo due to criminal proceedings, where the lack of existing documentationinthe structure and, in some cases,thebehavior of the professionals working there, led the evaluator to deducethe organization’s culpability.

The Prevalence of Elder Abuse and its Association with Frailty in Elderly Patients at the Outpatient Department of a Super-Tertiary Care Hospital in Northern Thailand

“…Forensic physicians also serve as vital intermediaries among various professionals engaged in identifying and caring for these specific cases, including psychologists, social workers, medical care providers, lawyers, and investigative personnel [ 42 ]. Additionally, there is a need for thorough and detailed documentation, along with the careful collection of medico-legal data [ 42 , 43 ]. Therefore, promoting accurate medical records is vital to preventing medical malpractice liability and ensuring adherence to clinical care standards.…”

“…Therefore, promoting accurate medical records is vital to preventing medical malpractice liability and ensuring adherence to clinical care standards. Implementing evidence-based guidelines and surveillance for maintaining high-quality care and preventing abuse in long-term care for older adults are key public health goals [ 43 ].…”