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.
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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.
December 01, 2024, South Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report
The Rising Threat of Nuclear Verdicts in Medical Malpractice: A Call for Tort Reform
Dr. Patricia Ares-Romero discusses the increasing trend of "nuclear verdicts"—jury awards exceeding $10 million—in medical malpractice cases. She highlights insights from Bob White, President of The Doctors Company and TDC Group, noting that from 2013 to 2023, these verdicts surged by 67%, with the average award among the top 50 malpractice verdicts rising from $32 million in 2022 to $48 million in 2023.
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.
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 07, 2023
Spotlight on Foundation Grants: Enhanced Diagnostic Reasoning
A grant to the University of Michigan supports a project to boost trainees’ skills by employing a unique combination of ambient and artificial intelligence.
From
The Doctor’s Advocate
Video May 24, 2024
Alleviating the Physician Shortage
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) predicts demand for medical services in the U.S. will grow much faster than physician supply, leading to an estimated physician shortage of between 54,100 and 139,000 by 2033. In primary care relief is coming for overburdened physicians, as APCs are among the fastest growing professions.
Video Aug 29, 2025
What Is Hospital at Home?
Michael J. Maniaci, MD, Director of Enterprise Virtual Care, Mayo Clinic, presents at the 2025 TDC Group Executive Advisory Board Meeting, explaining how hospital at home programs provide inpatient care to patients in the comfort of their own homes as an alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar hospital care.
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.
