LEGAL ISSUES IN ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY

Clinical risk management for allergist focuses primarily on concerns r egarding adverse occurrences and the possibility of civil litigation a s a result of negligence or professional liability. Risk is substantia lly reduced with an understanding of such predictable drug reactions a s overdosage, side effects, secondary effects, and drug interactions. In addition, all clinicians who prescribe have a duty to disclose to t heir patients the possibility of unpredictable reactions, including in tolerance, idiosyncrasy, and allergy or hypersensitivity. This disclos ure should be part of a comprehensive discussion of the risks and bene fits of, and alternatives to, therapeutic agents and procedures they r ecommend. The process of informed consent becomes even more critical w ith the increasing influence of hospital and managed care formularies on prescribing decisions. Although cost effectiveness is an important factor in prescribing.