Professional Education
Loss Lessons: Practicing Out of Bounds
Unlicensed staff are vital to efficient patient flow in medical practice. Healthcare organizations have many tasks that are safely and effectively carried out by skilled unlicensed support staff every day. To reach such efficiencies with safety and reliability, careful attention must be given to scope of practice and state and local statutes regarding delegation and supervision. Policies and protocols that outline the scope of practice for unlicensed staff to follow independently, and when they must consult with licensed staff, help even the most talented of your staff understand their boundaries. This case illustrates how informal verbal guidelines can blur the lines and cause well-meaning staff to cross the boundary lines of their scope leading to misdiagnosis and death.
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Government Relations Advocacy Updates
Each issue of the Government Relations Advocacy Update provides insights into legislative and judicial actions that impact medical liability and the practice of medicine. We are committed to providing an enduring national platform for advocacy for healthcare.
Jun 18, 2024
Artificial Intelligence: Emerging Issues in Healthcare and Insurance Public Policy
As AI becomes more integrated into healthcare, matters relating to professional liability remain unsettled.
From
The Doctor’s Advocate
2025 Legislative Update
Most states adjourned their 2025 regular legislative sessions mid-year. A handful of states remain in regular session and a smattering of states have returned or are expected to convene special sessions to address budget and other issues. While the pace of legislation activity has slowed, TDC Group’s Government Relations team continues to advocate on pending legislation, prepare with coalitions for the 2026 legislative sessions, and engage in key judicial actions warranting an amicus curiae voice.
Informed Consent: Substance and Signature
True informed consent is a process of managing a patient’s expectations through shared decision making. It is not just a signature on a document.
Healthcare Staffing Shortages: Decrease Practice Risks
Ongoing staffing shortages negatively influence the quality and depth of many primary and support roles throughout the healthcare workforce. The scarcity of employees has also contributed to elevated levels of stress and burnout.
In Cardiology, CCKE Exam Helps NPs and PAs Showcase Their Skills
The Certified Cardiovascular Knowledge Examination (CCKE) can help NPs and PAs demonstrate the rigor of their training and the depth of their knowledge of cardiology care.
Jun 05, 2023
Driving Positive Outcomes in the Professional Liability Advocacy Arena
It is imperative for healthcare practitioners to weigh in on legislative matters involving healthcare provision and access. These expert tips can help you engage with policymakers and communicate effectively.
From
The Doctor’s Advocate
Jun 05, 2023
Industry and Company News Second Quarter 2023
Announcements in the second quarter of 2023 include our 2023 member dividend and a new study on the effects of social inflation.
From
The Doctor’s Advocate
Mar 06, 2026
Anti-Anchoring: Tackling High Medical Liability Damage Amounts Through Tort Reform
Trial lawyers have increasingly been using the “anchoring” technique to inflate the value of medical malpractice verdicts. Combatting this trend will require new defense tactics in the courtroom as well as anti-anchoring legislation.
From
The Doctor’s Advocate