sentinel event
Medical term Medical Law and Ethics
An unexpected event involving death or serious physical or psychological injury, or the risk of it.
Sources
Related terms
- res ipsa loquitur"The thing speaks for itself": a legal doctrine for a breach of duty so obvious that negligence is presumed.
- respondeat superiorThe legal rule that an employer is responsible for employees' negligent acts done within the scope of their…
- risk managementStrategies to prevent errors and reduce legal liability.
- scope of practiceThe defined limits within which a health care worker is authorized to work, make decisions and provide…
- slanderFalse, damaging statements about a person spoken aloud.
- statute of limitationsThe legal time limit for filing a lawsuit, such as for malpractice; it varies by state.
- subpoena duces tecumA court order to produce documents or records, such as a medical record.
- tortA wrongful act or omission that harms someone and lets them sue for damages in civil court.