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Free Clinics and Malpractice Claims-Reply FREE

Kevin C. Kelleher, MD
JAMA. 1992;267(7):934-934. doi:10.1001/jama.1992.03480070049025
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In Reply.  —Dr Murphy raises a common concern and I appreciate the opportunity to address it more fully.In 17 years, the Bradley Free Clinic of the Roanoke Valley (Va) has never been sued. I believe there is a fair amount of protection in being known as an all-volunteer clinic and the goodwill it represents. Murphy's feeling that malpractice risk is higher when serving the indigent is probably unfounded. In a recent study of Medicaid patients by Mussman et al,1 no increase in claims was noted. Quality assurance and working within the limits of a physician's usual expertise are just as important in the setting of a free clinic as elsewhere.Last, several states, like ours, have passed legislation (Chapter 396 of Title 54-276.12, Code of Virginia) protecting volunteer physicians from malpractice claims. This statute protects volunteer physicians at free clinics from "any civil damages for any act or

REFERENCES

Mussman MG, Zawistowich L, Weisman CS, Malitz FE, Morlock LL.  Medical malpractice claims filed by Medicaid and non-Medicaid recipients in Maryland. JAMA . 1991;;265:2992-2994.

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Mussman MG, Zawistowich L, Weisman CS, Malitz FE, Morlock LL.  Medical malpractice claims filed by Medicaid and non-Medicaid recipients in Maryland. JAMA . 1991;;265:2992-2994.
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To understand the clinical management of acute heart failure syndromes.
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