research topics in legal medicine

Health Law Research Paper Topics

This page offers a comprehensive guide on health law research paper topics aimed at students studying law and assigned to write research papers. The page is structured into several sections to provide a complete resource for students, starting with an abstract that introduces the keyphrase and sets the context for the content. It will cover a comprehensive list of health law research paper topics divided into 10 categories, an in-depth article on health law and its wide range of research paper topics, tips on choosing suitable topics, and guidance on how to write an effective health law research paper. Additionally, the page will present iResearchNet’s custom health law research paper writing services.

100 Health Law Research Paper Topics

Health law is a multifaceted field that intersects with various aspects of healthcare, ethics, policy, and regulations. As students venture into the world of health law research, they encounter a vast array of intriguing topics that hold immense relevance in today’s healthcare landscape. This section presents a comprehensive list of health law research paper topics, carefully curated into ten distinct categories, each offering unique perspectives and opportunities for in-depth exploration. Whether you are interested in analyzing the legal implications of healthcare policies, delving into medical ethics dilemmas, or examining the legal aspects of global health, this diverse collection of health law research paper topics aims to inspire students to embark on meaningful and impactful research endeavors in the realm of health law.

Academic Writing, Editing, Proofreading, And Problem Solving Services

Get 10% off with 24start discount code.

• The Impact of the Affordable Care Act on Healthcare Access and Affordability
• Medicaid Expansion and its Effect on Low-Income Populations
• Healthcare Reform and the Future of Private Insurance Companies
• Assessing the Legal Framework of Universal Healthcare Systems
• Analyzing the Role of Health Insurance Marketplaces in Improving Coverage
• The Legal Landscape of Value-Based Care and Alternative Payment Models
• Health Information Privacy and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
• Legal Implications of Medicare and Medicaid Fraud and Abuse
• Medical Malpractice Laws and their Impact on Healthcare Providers
• Telemedicine Laws and the Expansion of Virtual Healthcare Services
• End-of-Life Decision-Making: Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide
• Organ Transplantation: Ethical Allocation of Donor Organs
• Informed Consent: Balancing Patient Autonomy and Medical Paternalism
• Legal and Ethical Implications of Human Genome Editing
• Confidentiality in Mental Health Treatment: Patient Privacy vs. Public Safety
• The Role of Law in Addressing Human Reproductive Cloning
• Legal and Ethical Considerations in Genetic Testing and Counseling
• Ethical Challenges in Human Subject Research and Clinical Trials
• Discrimination in Healthcare: Legal Protections for Vulnerable Populations
• Legal and Ethical Dimensions of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Decision-Making
• The Role of Law in Addressing Public Health Emergencies: Lessons from COVID-19
• Legal Interventions to Promote Vaccination and Herd Immunity
• Environmental Justice: Assessing the Legal Framework for Protecting Vulnerable Communities
• Food Safety Regulation and the Prevention of Foodborne Illnesses
• Tobacco Control Policies and their Impact on Public Health
• Legal Aspects of Water Pollution Control and Environmental Regulation
• Legal and Ethical Considerations in Controlling Infectious Diseases Outbreaks
• Health Impact Assessments: Evaluating the Legal Framework for Community Health
• The Intersection of Environmental Law and Occupational Health and Safety
• Climate Change and Health: Legal Strategies for Mitigation and Adaptation
• Involuntary Commitment: Balancing Individual Liberty and Public Safety
• Legal and Ethical Challenges in Treating Minors with Mental Health Conditions
• Mental Health Parity Laws: Improving Access to Mental Health Services
• Legal Implications of Telepsychiatry and Online Mental Health Services
• Mental Health Stigma and Discrimination: Legal Measures for Social Change
• Legal Considerations in Mental Health Treatment for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
• Criminalization of Mental Illness: Examining Mental Health Courts and Diversion Programs
• Legal and Ethical Issues in the Confidentiality of Mental Health Records
• The Role of Law in Addressing the Opioid Epidemic: Prevention, Treatment, and Harm Reduction
• Legal Protections for Patients with Substance Use Disorders: Advocating for Their Rights
• Detecting and Preventing Healthcare Billing Fraud and Abuse
• Whistleblower Protections: Encouraging Reporting of Healthcare Fraud
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Off-Label Drug Marketing
• The Role of Data Analytics in Fraud Detection and Prevention
• False Claims Act Cases: Evaluating their Impact on Healthcare Providers
• Kickbacks and Stark Law Violations: Legal Implications for Healthcare Entities
• Anti-Kickback Statute and Safe Harbors: Analyzing their Effectiveness in Preventing Fraud
• Legal Challenges in Investigating and Prosecuting Healthcare Fraud
• Healthcare Compliance Programs: Legal and Ethical Considerations
• Restitution and Remedies for Healthcare Fraud: Balancing Justice and Rehabilitation
• Medical Malpractice Laws and their Impact on Patient Safety
• Medication Errors: Legal Implications and Preventive Measures
• Legal Aspects of Adverse Events and Medical Negligence
• Liability for Healthcare Technology and Telemedicine Services
• The Influence of Tort Reform on Patient Safety and Healthcare Practices
• Legal Protections for Patient Safety Advocates and Whistleblowers
• Legal and Ethical Considerations in Error Disclosure and Apology
• The Role of Law in Reducing Healthcare-Associated Infections
• Healthcare Error Reporting Systems: Evaluating their Efficacy in Improving Safety
• The Legal Landscape of Patient Safety Culture in Healthcare Organizations
• Ethical Implications of Human Gene Editing and Genetic Engineering
• Cloning and Stem Cell Research: Legal and Ethical Boundaries
• The Ethics of Human Research and Clinical Trials in Biotechnology
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Human Reproduction Technologies
• The Role of Law in Regulating Gene Therapy and Genetic Enhancements
• Legal Considerations in Bioinformatics and Genomic Data Sharing
• The Intersection of Bioethics and Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
• Ethical Challenges in Neurotechnology and Brain-Computer Interfaces
• Legal and Ethical Implications of Organ Transplant Allocation
• Gene Patents and Intellectual Property Rights: Balancing Innovation and Access
• Legal Strategies for Addressing Healthcare Disparities and Inequalities
• The Role of Law in Ensuring Access to Affordable Prescription Drugs
• Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health: Legal Approaches for Change
• Medicaid Expansion and Health Insurance Coverage for Vulnerable Populations
• Legal Protections for Immigrant Healthcare Access
• Healthcare Rationing and Resource Allocation: Ethical and Legal Challenges
• The Impact of Discrimination on Health Outcomes: Legal and Policy Responses
• Legal and Ethical Considerations in Reproductive Healthcare Access
• The Role of Law in Promoting Mental Health Equity
• Legal and Policy Approaches to Reduce Health Disparities in Rural Areas
• Data Privacy and Security in Digital Health Records
• Telehealth Policy and Regulation: Promoting Access and Quality
• Legal Challenges in AI-Based Medical Diagnostics and Decision Support Systems
• Legal and Ethical Implications of Health Data Analytics and Machine Learning
• Cybersecurity in Healthcare: Mitigating Risks and Ensuring Compliance
• Legal Considerations in Internet of Things (IoT) Medical Devices
• Regulation of Health Apps and Wearable Health Technology
• Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Information Exchange
• The Role of Law in Regulating Precision Medicine and Personalized Healthcare
• AI in Clinical Decision-Making: Liability and Accountability Issues
• International Health Regulations: Legal Framework for Pandemic Preparedness
• The Role of Law in Addressing Global Health Crises and Disease Outbreaks
• Legal Aspects of Humanitarian Medical Aid and Disaster Relief
• Intellectual Property Rights and Access to Medicines in Developing Countries
• Legal and Ethical Considerations in Medical Tourism
• Legal Implications of Cross-Border Healthcare and Telemedicine
• The Role of Law in Protecting the Rights of Refugees and Displaced Populations
• Global Health Governance and the Role of International Organizations
• Legal and Ethical Challenges in Global Vaccine Distribution
• Environmental Health and International Agreements: Navigating Legal Boundaries

The realm of health law is a dynamic and evolving field with far-reaching implications for society’s well-being and the healthcare landscape. The comprehensive list of health law research paper topics presented in this section demonstrates the diverse and complex nature of this legal discipline. From examining the intricacies of healthcare policies and regulations to exploring medical ethics dilemmas and global health challenges, students have an extensive range of subjects to delve into for their research projects. As aspiring legal scholars and practitioners, delving into these topics will not only expand their knowledge but also contribute to the ongoing advancements and improvements in healthcare delivery, ethics, and policy. Through in-depth research and analysis, students can actively contribute to shaping a more just and equitable healthcare system for generations to come.

Health Law: Exploring the Range of Topics

Health law is a crucial and multifaceted field that intersects with various aspects of healthcare, ethics, policies, and patient rights. As the legal landscape continues to adapt to the complexities of modern healthcare systems, the study of health law becomes increasingly significant. This section delves into the world of health law, highlighting its relevance and the diverse range of research paper topics it offers.

• Understanding Health Law and Its Significance : Health law encompasses a broad spectrum of legal principles and regulations that govern the healthcare industry and the rights of patients. Its primary goal is to ensure the provision of high-quality healthcare while safeguarding patients’ rights and ethical standards. Health law is an indispensable component of the legal system, as it addresses the legal implications of medical practices, healthcare policies, and medical research.
• Ethical Considerations in Health Law Research : Medical ethics plays a central role in health law research, as it deals with the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare providers, patients, and policymakers. Topics in this area may include the ethical implications of medical experimentation, end-of-life decision-making, informed consent, and confidentiality of patient information.
• Healthcare Policies and Regulations : Health law heavily influences healthcare policies and regulations, which shape the delivery and accessibility of medical services. Research topics in this category could explore the Affordable Care Act and its impact on healthcare access, the regulation of health insurance providers, healthcare reform initiatives, and the role of government in healthcare policy-making.
• Patient Rights and Advocacy : Health law upholds and protects the rights of patients, ensuring they receive fair treatment and access to appropriate medical care. Research papers in this area may cover patient privacy rights, informed consent, the right to refuse medical treatment, and the legal avenues available for patients seeking redress for medical malpractice.
• Medical Malpractice and Liability : The study of health law involves an examination of medical malpractice laws and the legal implications of medical errors. Research topics may include the standard of care in medical practice, the role of expert witnesses in medical malpractice cases, and the impact of medical liability insurance on healthcare costs.
• Healthcare Fraud and Abuse : Health law addresses issues related to healthcare fraud and abuse, aiming to prevent fraudulent activities in the healthcare industry. Topics in this category could explore Medicare and Medicaid fraud, kickbacks in healthcare, and the legal measures taken to combat healthcare fraud.
• Health Equity and Access to Care : Health law plays a critical role in promoting health equity and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services for all individuals. Research topics may delve into the legal challenges in achieving health equity, disparities in healthcare access, and the legal framework for addressing healthcare inequalities.
• Mental Health Law and Policy : The intersection of law and mental health is a significant area of research in health law. Topics in this field may cover the legal rights of individuals with mental health conditions, involuntary commitment laws, and the integration of mental health services into the broader healthcare system.
• Public Health Law and Emergency Preparedness : Public health law is concerned with safeguarding the health and well-being of the community. Research topics may include the legal framework for responding to public health emergencies, vaccination policies, and legal challenges in disease outbreak management.
• Biomedical Research and Human Subjects : Health law addresses the ethical and legal considerations in biomedical research involving human subjects. Topics in this area may explore informed consent in research, the protection of vulnerable populations, and the legal framework for clinical trials.

The complexities and evolving nature of health law present a myriad of research opportunities for students and scholars. As healthcare continues to advance, so do the legal and ethical challenges it brings. By exploring the diverse range of health law research paper topics, students can actively contribute to shaping the future of healthcare and the legal framework that governs it. Through in-depth research and analysis, they can propose innovative solutions to address the ethical, policy, and legal complexities of modern healthcare systems. As the field of health law continues to evolve, the research carried out by students will undoubtedly have a profound impact on shaping a more just, ethical, and equitable healthcare system for society as a whole.

How to Choose a Health Law Topic

Selecting a compelling and relevant research paper topic is a crucial step in the academic journey of law students exploring health law. With the vast array of legal issues and ethical considerations within the healthcare domain, narrowing down a specific research focus can be challenging. However, with a systematic approach and a clear understanding of your interests and objectives, you can navigate the process effectively. This section presents essential tips to help you choose the most suitable health law research paper topic for your study.

• Understand Your Course and Assignment Requirements : Before diving into the topic selection process, thoroughly review your course syllabus and assignment guidelines. Ensure that you grasp the specific requirements set by your instructor and the objectives of the research paper. Understanding the scope, length, and format expectations will help you tailor your research to meet the necessary criteria.
• Identify Your Areas of Interest : Health law is a vast and diverse field, covering various legal and ethical aspects of healthcare. Take some time to reflect on your personal interests and the areas of health law that intrigue you the most. Whether you are passionate about patient rights, healthcare policies, medical ethics, or public health, choosing a topic that resonates with you will make the research process more enjoyable and rewarding.
• Stay Updated with Current Health Law Developments : Health law is constantly evolving due to advancements in medical technology, changes in healthcare policies, and legal precedents. To choose a relevant and timely research topic, keep yourself informed about recent developments and emerging issues in health law. Read academic journals, legal publications, and reputable news sources to stay updated with the latest trends and debates in the field.
• Conduct Preliminary Research : To gain a deeper understanding of potential research topics, conduct preliminary research on broad health law themes that interest you. This will help you identify specific subtopics and issues within those themes that you find compelling. Take note of any gaps in the existing literature or areas that need further exploration.
• Consult Your Professors and Peers : Engaging in discussions with your professors and peers can provide valuable insights and suggestions for potential research paper topics. They may offer guidance on relevant issues, recommend scholarly resources, and provide feedback on your initial ideas.
• Analyze the Legal and Ethical Relevance : Once you have a list of potential research paper topics, evaluate their legal and ethical relevance. Consider the impact of the topic on healthcare policies, patient rights, and medical practices. Ask yourself how your research can contribute to the existing body of knowledge and address real-world challenges in health law.
• Narrow Down Your Focus : As you evaluate your potential research topics, it is essential to narrow down your focus to a specific and manageable research question. Avoid overly broad topics that may lack depth and clarity. Instead, aim for a well-defined research question that allows you to conduct an in-depth analysis within the scope of your research paper.
• Consider the Feasibility of Data Collection : Some research topics may require access to specific data, legal documents, or expert interviews. Consider the feasibility of data collection for your chosen topic. Ensure that you can access the necessary resources and information to support your research.
• Evaluate the Significance and Impact : Assess the significance and potential impact of your chosen research topic. Think about how your findings and recommendations can contribute to improvements in healthcare practices, policies, or legal frameworks. A research paper with practical implications and real-world applications can make a more significant contribution to the field of health law.
• Seek Inspiration from Case Studies and Legal Precedents : Case studies and legal precedents are valuable resources for inspiration and identifying research gaps in health law. Analyzing landmark cases and recent court decisions can shed light on emerging legal issues and ethical dilemmas in the healthcare sector.

By following these ten tips, you can navigate the process of choosing a health law research paper topic with confidence and purpose. Remember to select a topic that aligns with your interests, adheres to assignment requirements, and offers significant contributions to the field of health law. A well-chosen research topic will not only showcase your knowledge and analytical skills but also demonstrate your commitment to addressing legal challenges in the healthcare domain.

How to Write a Health Law Research Paper

Writing a health law research paper can be a rewarding and intellectually stimulating endeavor. However, it also requires careful planning, thorough research, and effective organization to produce a high-quality paper. In this section, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to write a compelling health law research paper that showcases your understanding of the subject matter and analytical skills.

• Understand the Research Paper Requirements : Before delving into the writing process, review your course syllabus and assignment guidelines to understand the specific requirements for your health law research paper. Take note of the paper’s length, formatting style (APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, Harvard, etc.), and any specific research questions or topics provided by your instructor.
• Conduct In-Depth Research : Effective research is the foundation of a successful health law research paper. Take the time to conduct comprehensive research on your chosen topic, exploring relevant legal statutes, court decisions, academic journals, and reputable sources. Utilize online databases, libraries, and academic search engines to access scholarly articles and primary legal sources.
• Develop a Strong Thesis Statement : The thesis statement is the central argument or main point of your research paper. It should be clear, concise, and specific, outlining the focus and purpose of your paper. Your thesis statement will guide the rest of your writing and help maintain a cohesive and coherent structure.
• Create an Outline : An outline serves as a roadmap for your health law research paper, helping you organize your ideas and arguments logically. Divide your paper into sections, such as introduction, literature review, methodology (if applicable), main body, analysis, and conclusion. Within each section, outline the key points and supporting evidence you will include.
• Write an Engaging Introduction : The introduction is your opportunity to grab the reader’s attention and provide an overview of your research paper. Start with a hook or an interesting fact related to health law to pique the reader’s interest. Clearly state your thesis statement and outline the key points you will discuss in the paper.
• Conduct a Thorough Literature Review : The literature review is a critical component of a health law research paper. It involves summarizing and analyzing existing research and scholarly work relevant to your topic. Identify gaps in the literature and discuss how your research paper will contribute to addressing these gaps.
• Present Clear and Coherent Arguments : In the main body of your research paper, present your arguments and supporting evidence in a clear and coherent manner. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea and include relevant examples, case studies, or legal precedents to strengthen your points. Use transitional phrases to ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs.
• Analyze Legal and Ethical Implications : Health law research often involves analyzing legal statutes and ethical considerations. Make sure to critically assess the implications of your research findings on healthcare policies, patient rights, and medical practices. Discuss the ethical dilemmas, if any, and propose potential solutions.
• Utilize Proper Citations and References : Properly cite all the sources you have used in your research paper to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original authors. Use the appropriate citation style specified in the assignment guidelines (APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, Harvard, etc.) and create a comprehensive list of references at the end of your paper.
• Craft a Convincing Conclusion : In the conclusion, summarize the main points of your research paper and restate your thesis statement. Emphasize the significance of your findings and their potential impact on health law. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion and instead leave the reader with a lasting impression of your research.
• Revise and Edit Your Paper : After completing the first draft, take the time to revise and edit your health law research paper. Check for clarity, coherence, and consistency in your arguments. Eliminate any grammatical or spelling errors and ensure that your paper adheres to the required formatting style.
• Seek Feedback : Before submitting your research paper, seek feedback from peers, professors, or academic advisors. Constructive feedback can help you identify areas for improvement and enhance the overall quality of your paper.

Writing a health law research paper requires dedication, critical thinking, and a thorough understanding of legal and ethical issues in healthcare. By following this step-by-step guide and staying organized throughout the process, you can produce a well-researched and persuasive paper that contributes meaningfully to the field of health law.

iResearchNet’s Custom Research Paper Writing Services

At iResearchNet, we understand the challenges and complexities students face when tasked with writing health law research papers. As a reputable academic writing company, we are dedicated to providing students with top-notch custom research paper writing services that cater specifically to the field of health law. Our team of expert writers, with their in-depth knowledge of health law and legal expertise, is committed to delivering high-quality research papers that meet your academic requirements and exceed your expectations.

• Expert Degree-Holding Writers : When you choose iResearchNet, you gain access to a team of highly qualified writers with advanced degrees in law, specializing in health law. Our writers have extensive experience in conducting research, analyzing legal cases, and writing comprehensive research papers on a wide range of health law topics.
• Custom Written Works : We believe in the uniqueness of every research paper. Our writers follow a custom writing approach, meaning that each paper is tailored to your specific requirements, ensuring originality and authenticity. You can rest assured that your health law research paper will be entirely free of plagiarism.
• In-Depth Research : Our writers are well-versed in conducting thorough research to gather the most relevant and up-to-date information for your health law research paper. They have access to reputable academic databases, journals, and legal resources, enabling them to include credible sources in your paper.
• Custom Formatting : Proper formatting is crucial for academic research papers. Our writers are proficient in various citation styles, including APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, and Harvard. They will ensure that your health law research paper adheres to the required formatting guidelines.
• Top Quality : Quality is our utmost priority. We strive to deliver research papers that demonstrate comprehensive understanding, critical analysis, and well-supported arguments. Our team is dedicated to providing you with top-quality research papers that showcase your knowledge and research skills.
• Customized Solutions : At iResearchNet, we recognize that each health law research paper topic is unique. Our writers are adept at tailoring their writing to meet your specific research objectives and address the nuances of your chosen topic.
• Flexible Pricing : We understand that students often have budget constraints. Our pricing system is flexible and designed to accommodate your financial needs. We offer competitive rates for high-quality custom health law research papers.
• Short Deadlines : If you have urgent deadlines, worry not. Our writers are capable of delivering high-quality health law research papers within short timeframes, with options for turnaround times as fast as 3 hours.
• Timely Delivery : Punctuality is a cornerstone of our service. We value your time and ensure that your health law research paper is delivered on schedule, allowing you sufficient time to review and make any necessary changes before submission.
• 24/7 Support : Our customer support team is available round the clock to address any inquiries or concerns you may have. Whether you have questions about our services or need assistance with the ordering process, our support team is here to help.
• Absolute Privacy : We understand the importance of confidentiality. Rest assured that your personal information and details of the research paper will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
• Easy Order Tracking : Once you place an order with iResearchNet, you can easily track its progress through our user-friendly platform. Stay informed about the status of your health law research paper at all times.
• Money Back Guarantee : Customer satisfaction is our priority. In the rare event that you are not fully satisfied with the final research paper, we offer a money-back guarantee to ensure your peace of mind.

At iResearchNet, we are committed to providing you with custom health law research papers that reflect your expertise and dedication to the subject. Our team of expert writers is eager to assist you in navigating the complexities of health law and delivering a well-researched and compelling paper. Let us take the burden off your shoulders and empower your academic journey with our top-notch custom research paper writing services in health law.

Empower Your Health Law Research with iResearchNet

Are you ready to take your health law research to the next level? Look no further than iResearchNet! With our custom health law research paper writing services, you can empower your academic journey and excel in your studies. Whether you are struggling with selecting a research paper topic, conducting in-depth research, or crafting a well-structured paper, our team of expert writers is here to support you every step of the way.

At iResearchNet, we believe in the power of individualized solutions. Each health law research paper is meticulously crafted to meet your specific requirements and academic goals. Whether you need a research paper on medical malpractice, patient confidentiality, healthcare reform, or any other health law topic, our writers will deliver a unique and original paper that sets you apart from the rest.

Don’t let the complexities of health law research hold you back. Empower your academic journey with our custom health law research paper writing services at iResearchNet. Our team of expert writers is eager to assist you in achieving academic excellence and mastering the intricacies of health law. Place your order today and unlock the full potential of your health law research with iResearchNet!

ORDER HIGH QUALITY CUSTOM PAPER

AMERICAN COLLEGE OF LEGAL MEDICINE

• Search for:

Publications

Authored by the American College of Legal Medicine and the American Board of Legal Medicine,  Legal Medicine: Health Care Law and Medical Ethics, 8th Edition , remains the premier treatise in this increasingly important area of medical practice. In the midst of a progressively litigious culture, this essential reference provides up-to-date information on topics surrounding professional medical liability, the business aspects of medical practice, and medicolegal and ethical issues, offering comprehensive discussions on a myriad of topics that healthcare professionals face every day.

Legal Medicine: Health Care Law and Medical Ethics, 8th Edition  addresses the legal aspects of almost every medical topic that impacts health care professionals, using actual case studies to illustrate nuances in the law. It offers the expert guidance of top professionals across medical and legal fields in an easy-to-read format. 

Journal of Legal Medicine

Quarterly publication.

The Journal of Legal Medicine is one of the leading internationally circulated journals in its field. The Journal includes articles and commentaries on topics of interest in legal medicine, health law and policy, professional liability, hospital law, food and drug law, medical legal research and education, bioethics, the history of legal medicine, and a broad range of other related topics. Indexed in national and international databases, the Journal is circulated throughout the world. Articles contained in the Journal have been cited by state and federal courts (including the United States Supreme Court).

Current Issue

Journal of legal medicine, volume 42, issue 3-4 (2022), past issues of journal of legal medicine.

• Volume 42, Issue 1-2 (2022)
• Volume 41, Issue 1-2 – January 2022
• Volume 41, sup1 – January 2022
• Volume 40, Issue 1 – 2020
• Volume 40, sup1 – 2020
• Volume 40, Issue 2 – 2020
• Volume 40, sup2 – 2020
• Volume 40, Issue 3-4 – 2020

Legal Medicine Perspectives

Monthly newsletter.

ACLM’s Legal Medicine Perspectives (LMP) aims to share perspectives from physicians, attorneys, researchers, and students on timely issues of medicine and law. It also provides analyses of recent developments in federal and state courts, as well as recent statutory enactments by Congress and throughout the states.

Legal Medicine Perspectives, September 2021

Past legal medicine perspectives newsletters.

• August 2021

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• Publications
• Account settings

Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .

• Advanced Search
• Journal List
• Acta Biomed
• v.91(4); 2020

The clinical legal medicine: a need for quality of care and patient’s safety. A single center five-year experience

Matteo bolcato.

1 Department of Molecular Medicine, Legal Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy, Via Falloppio, 50, Padova, Italia. E-mail addresses: [email protected] (Matteo Bolcato); [email protected] (Marianna Russo); [email protected] (Daniele Rodriguez); [email protected] (Anna Aprile).

Marianna Russo

Matteo sanavio.

2 Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Legal Medicine, University of Padova, Via Falloppio, 50, Padova, Italia.

Daniele Rodriguez

Anna aprile, introduction..

Clinical legal medicine is a branch of legal medicine that takes place in a clinical setting approaching the patient’s bedside and using a particular attention not only for conceptual or normative references but also for every possible medical and social aspect.

Material and methods.

The requests of medico-legal opinions received by the Department of Legal Medicine of a large university hospital were retrospectively collected over a 5-years period. The analysis focused on the recurrence rate of the requests and the most common medico-legal issues to be solved in a clinical context, differentiating between adult and minor patients.

The collected medico-legal advices amounted to 448. The most clearly involved clinical area was Medicine (54%) followed by Gynecology and Obstetrics (15.6%), Pediatrics and Surgery (10.7%). The requests concerning patient’s self-determination in therapeutics choices, including refusal of proposed treatments, covered almost one-half of total casuistry. The designation of support administrator represented also a relevant issue (20.5%). In case of minors, the queries related to reporting crimes were three times higher than in adults, while the appointment of a support administrator was never requested.

Conclusion.

Clinical legal medicine, through medico-legal advices, plays a primary role in contributing to the safeguarding of health and to the decision-making process of clinicians. ( www.actabiomedica.it )

Introduction

The right to health, based on principles of universality and solidarity, has been recognized since implementation of Italian Constitution, in 1948. Article 32 declares the interest of nation to safeguard health as a fundamental right of the individual and as a collective interest. The first realization of this principle dates back to the end of the sixties when hospital reforms (Law n.132 of 12th February 1968; Decrees of the President of the Republic n. 128, 129, 130 of 27th March 1969) established hospital institution, defined as public institutions directed to hospitalization and treatment of patients. In the same historical period, the discipline of legal medicine received in Italy the first official recognition. In fact, the article 25 of D.P.R 27th March 1969 declared “a medico-legal and social insurance service has to be established in regional hospitals (...)”. Law n. 833 of 23rd December 1978, that established the National Health System with the aim of protecting physical and psychological health of the individual and community, defined a new dimension of legal medicine. Article 19 states “The Local Health Units provide prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and legal medicine services”, without explaining the exact meaning of “legal medicine” [ 1 ]. Before the entry in force of the aforementioned law, the medico-legal intervention detained a more technical connotation, as a useful instrument to facilitate the administration of justice. After 1978, a new concept of legal medicine started to take hold, permitting to overcome the dichotomy, already expressed in 1937 by Cazzaniga [ 2 ] and still surviving in a few international countries [ 3 ], between juridical legal medicine, with a doctrinal dimension, and forensic legal medicine with a practical dimension.

As Benciolini wrote in 2005 [ 4 ]: “It names clinical legal medicine because, first of all, it takes place in the clinical setting, caring for the single citizens who address the Health System as patients or because of prevention. (...). Moreover, the clinical dimension of legal medicine operating in National Health System refers to a direct approach to the patient-citizen where the attention has to be pointed not only to conceptual or normative references, but also to every possible implication”. Of peculiar importance in clinical legal medicine is the physician-patient relationship, that provides for the presence of physician to the “patient’s bed side”.

It’s hard to list the possible practical activities of clinical legal medicine, as they can extremely vary according to the several needs and challenges introduced by scientific innovations and medical technologies. Anyway, a concise list is contained in the Ministerial circular n. 30 of 10th February 1970 that conferred specific responsibilities to medico-legal service in hospitals [ 5 ]: providing expert opinion to Emergency Room specialists for writing medical reports; expert opinion in matter of hospitalization and dismissal or consent to medical and surgical treatments; support in litigation between hospitals and insurances; medico-legal assessments aimed to safeguard the hospital institution in professional liability lawsuits; intervention in issues associated with organ donation and transplantation from a cadaveric source; collaboration in clinical and forensic toxicology assessment.

Many innovative aspects should be added; however, the activity of providing an intra-hospital advice plays a role of primary importance and necessity. Medico-legal advice may be defined as the “determination of the relationship between biological events and legislation or the application to the healthcare of general or special legislative provisions” [ 6 ].

Although organizational aspects may differ among hospitals, the process that ends up requesting an expert opinion usually starts when a physician or another health professional asks a question on medico-legal issues. Medico-legal experts may answer to this question in an oral form or by telephone in simple cases and in a written form – after having visited patient - in more difficult cases. In our hospital the medico-legal service offers a24 hour clinical support and the questions raised inside the various medical wards the are taken in charge by the expert on duty. The on-call medico-legal experts may be directly contacted through the service mobile or the administrative office which is appointed to receive the request forms for medico-legal opinion. Because of the close collaboration that has been emerging among physicians and medico-legal experts, some of them may be also directly requested by colleagues to whom they have formerly provided an advice in a similar case.

It is noteworthy that the requests of medico-legal advices about specific problems are addressed to specialists who belong to the medical equip of the hospital and, for this reason, detain a great experience about the issues that most commonly need to be solved in the hospital itself. Suspected cases of child abuse represent an example. In fact, in these cases, where a highly specific knowledge about the lesions which may be observed is extremely important, the possibility to tap into large case series, as the ones that a hospital have available, is fundamental in order to make a correct diagnosis of child abuse and to establish the time of its occurrence [ 7 ]. Thanks to this experience, some gray cases are finally understood as related or not to child abuse [ 8 - 10 ].

Reflection about issues which lead physicians to ask a medico-legal opinion is substantial in order to comprehend the need of clarity, requested by both patients and health professionals, about relation between medicine and law [ 11 , 12 ].

Materials and Methods

An informatic database was developed to store and analyze the advices requested to the medico-legal service of the university hospital of Padua, which counts 60.0000 hospitalizations and 7 million outpatient visits per year about. The request of medico-legal opinion implies the completion of a specific form with the medico-legal query and personal data of both the patient and the health professional who makes the request. On-call medico-legal specialists receive the request and may answer by telephone or by written opinion, depending on difficulty of the specific case.

Data were collected over a period of 5 years from 01.01.2013 to 31.12.2017.

Collected data were analyzed in order to study the recurrence rate of the queries in respect of the requesting ward and the medico-legal issue. Finally, the requested opinions on issues concerning minor patients were separately analyzed in order to compare them with the general casuistry.

The wards which the requests of advice come from we divided in the following 9 areas:

• Anesthesia and Resuscitation (including Intensive Care Unit and Semi-Intensive Care Unit);
• Surgery (including General and Specific Surgery Units);
• Health management (including Heath Management Office, Clinical Governance, General and Administrative Management Office);
• Gynecology and Obstetrics (including Gynecology and Obstetrics, Delivery room, Gynecology Emergency Department);
• Medicine (including General Clinical Medicine, Specialized Clinical Medicine, Geriatric Unit, Long Term Care Unit);
• Pediatrics (including Pediatrics Emergency Department, Pediatric Intensive Care, various Medicine and Surgical Pediatric Divisions, Child Abuse & Neglect Unit, Pediatric Day Hospital, Neonatology);
• Emergency Room;
• Psychiatry;
• Others, when the request comes from a ward out of the list.

The medico-legal queries were classified into 13 fields:

• Consensus to medical treatment. In these situations, medico-legal specialists are usually asked to verify the patient’s capacity to make decisions about diagnostic ascertainments or therapeutic treatments. The most delicate cases involve psychiatric or minor patients and the patients with clouding or loss of consciousness in medical/surgical emergency or urgency contexts. In some cases, the request of evaluating the subject’s capacity is due to social and organizational reasons. More general questions refer to the form the consent needs to be obtained, regardless of the patient capability.
• Refusal of medical treatments. This kind of query was considered separately from the former one in order to highlight its significance in all the casuistry.
• Support administrator, interdiction, incapacitation. In this field, medico-legal specialists are asked to evaluate the opportunity, according to Law n. 6 of 9th January 2004, to design a support administrator, in order to assist - through temporary or permanent sustain – people who are dependent in activities of daily living because of physical or psychical impairments. More uncommon questions regard the interdicted or incapacitated people.
• Professional liability. Medico-legal evaluation is commonly requested in cases of suspected malpractice.
• Mortuary policy and death assessment, where the medico-legal specialists give advices about the procedure for declaration of death and determination of brain death.
• Investigations about drug and alcohol addiction for forensic purposes.
• Deontology, in cases with not only legal but also deontological and ethical implications.
• Voluntary termination of pregnancy, according to the provisions of Law n. 194 of 22nd March 1978;
• Other issues regarding contraception, sterilization and in vitro fertilization, commonly related to the use of contraceptives by minors and the provisions of Law n. 40 of 19th February 2004;
• Reporting crimes. In these cases, medico-legal specialists are asked to assist other physicians in the identification of a criminal activity and in the writing of a medical report for the offences that are prosecutable ex officio;
• Reporting sexual crimes. This kind of query was considered separately from the other crimes former due to their preponderance and peculiarity;
• Abandonment of child or disabled person;
• Compulsory health treatment. In this field, medico-legal opinion is necessary to begin an involuntary treatment of mentally ill patients or other kind of patients.

The medico-legal opinions, analyzed in the considered temporal range, amount to a total of 448. Table 1 shows an overall upward trend over time of medico-legal advice requests.

Table 1.

Medico-legal advices requested during a 5-year period

Wards. As reported in Table 2 , the wards that resulted to most often ask for medico-legal opinions are, in decreasing order, Medicine (242), Gynecology and Obstetrics (70), Pediatrics and Surgery (48), which contributed, respectively, to 54%, 15,6% and 10,7% of the total amount.

Table 2.

Medico-legal advices distribution by wards

Queries . The distribution of queries during the considered period is reported in Table 3 . The main reason that led physicians to ask for medico-legal opinions is the refusal to medical treatments, that recurs in more than 25% of the casuistry. Other common queries concern the procedure to design a support administrator (20,5%), issues related to the validity of consent to medical treatment (17%) and the procedure that regulate the voluntary termination of pregnancy (10,7%). Medico-legal support is also frequently requested when the commission of a crime is suspected in order to identify clinical situations that meet mandatory reporting requirements (7%). This result is even more significant when adding the opinions offered in case of suspected sexual crimes, that represent a conspicuous percentage of the casuistry (7,8%). The recurrence of the other queries is less than 5% of the total amount.

Table 3.

The content of queries directed to the medico-legal service

Minors. 79 medico-legal opinions (17,6%) concern issues that involve minor patients ( Table 4 ). Compared to the totality of the patients, in this sample a few queries are more represented as the consent to medical treatment (21,5% vs 17,4) and the activity related to reporting crimes (except for sexual ones) whose rate is three times higher (21,5% vs 7%). When considering reporting sexual crimes, this query is two times more frequent in minor patients than in adults (17% vs 7,8%). On the contrary, other queries are less common when minors are compared to adult patients, as the ones concerning refusal of medical treatments (7,5% vs 25%) or the appointment of support administrator that is never requested below 18 years of age. Interestingly, the voluntary termination of pregnancy has a quite similar recurrence rate in the two groups (12,6% vs 10,7%).

Table 4.

The content of queries directed to the medico-legal service in case of minor patients

When giving an opinion in a clinical context, medico-legal specialists go beyond the forensic purposes of their activity. This peculiar dimension implies not only a sound juridical knowledge but also the awareness that law needs to be adapted to a specific person.

The direct conversation with the patient and the health professionals (medical and not medical) who have asked for technical support makes unique every medico-legal advice that, in fact, is the result of legal, deontological, ethical and clinical aspects.

Sometimes the physicians may request medico-legal opinion as a strategy of defensive medicine in order to avoid from getting involved in legal disputes. When this intent is clear, the medico-legal specialist should remind the clinician of the positive acceptation of responsibility, defined as the “attentive and conscientious presence of health care professional, before being charged of inappropriate behavior”. Through this approach, it is possible to prevent adverse effects before they happen [ 13 ].

Concerning the reasons for which physicians request medico-legal opinion, the most frequent issue relates to the capability of patient to self-determination in therapeutics choices, which is fundamental to prove validity of medical activity.

These kinds of queries together the ones that concern the refusal of treatments amount to almost one-half of total casuistry and show a constant increasing trend during years. Similar considerations may apply to the group of minor patients. In fact, however minors are subjected to parental responsibility, they have the right to receive correct information in order to accept a certain treatment.

In this background, clinical legal medicine promotes the process for an adequate information of the patient, assuring a correct communication among health care professional, patient and family. Through a qualified opinion about patient’s capability to express a valid consent, the process of obtaining informed consent is not reduced to an aseptic filling out of forms.

Collected data, together everyday experience, show an increasing number of patients who refuse medical treatment, including blood transfusion, amputations, tracheotomy, etc.

The recent Law n. 219 of 22nd of December 2017 is likely to be helpful to resolve many conflicting situations related to this topic, because it provides the physician with the indications to get the patient’s consent and the patient with the tools for self-determination in health care decisions through advance directives and shared care planning [ 14 ].

Concerning blood transfusions, the implementation of Patient Blood Management [ 15 ], even though the introduction of guidelines developed by the National Blood Centre [ 16 ], represents a revolutionary scientific element [ 17 ] that will greatly limit the use of allogeneic transfusions, reducing their risks and conflicts between physicians and patients who refuse them.

The period of time chosen for the present study does not go beyond 2017 really because of the aforementioned news; in fact, the impact of the latter in clinical practice, evaluating how they affect the queries directed to medico-legal service, will be the object of a future separate study.

Among the other queries, the designation of support administrator for people with total or partial loss of autonomy according to Law n. 6 of 9th January 2014 is also relevant.

In the presented casuistry this figure is often appointed to assist old people who suffer from cognitive impairment without decreasing their residual autonomy.

A greater use of this instrument is predictable and desirable in future, since Italy has one of the oldest population in the world and in 2030 the median age will be more than 50 years old and a large part of the population, almost one third of the total, will be over the age of 65 [ 18 ]. For this reason, the queries from Medicine, Geriatric Unit, Long Term Care Unit - which are already the majority– are expected to increase. Through a direct intervention, medico-legal specialists become aware of patient’s needs and autonomy, verifying whether the law requirements regulating designation of support administrator are satisfied and, finally, drawing up the correct reporting to the judge supervising a guardianship.

Medico-legal opinion is also necessary for reasons of justice in case the suspicion of a crime, particularly sexual crimes, arises. This kind of query is particularly delicate in case of minor patients, who, according to collected data, represent a relevant proportion of the total patients suspected to be victims of a crime.

Finally, great attention is paid by physicians in safeguarding the patient’s choices, not just in terms of legal liability, now regulated by law n. 24/2017 [ 19 ], but also according to an ethical and deontological point of view.

Even though the medico-legal opinions that were requested in a non-formal manner may not have been included in the casuistry, producing an underestimation of the real number, the presented sample is a useful representation of this specific medico-legal activity.

Conclusions

Medico-legal advice permits a reflection in a context of interaction among clinicians and medico-legal specialists, representing a valid tool for safeguarding the patient’s health and freedom of choice.

For these reasons the role assumed by clinical legal medicine in every hospital is fundamental for prevention activity, health safety and support to other colleagues.

Health administrators, who decide about economics and managerial decisions, must be aware of the importance and peculiarity of this medical branch, reserving to it the right recognition and a sufficient staff.

Moreover, academic training has to be embedded with clinical legal medicine; the teaching of legal principles and classic topics of legal medicine, together with the reflection on the activity of giving medico-legal opinions in a clinical context, should be offered in every school of specialization in Legal Medicine, even in order to accomplish with the ministerial provisions concerning the educational profile which justifies the allocation of specialization grants covering the needs of National Health System.

Contributions

All the authors have co-operated in every phase of the work, each one contributing mostly to some aspects. MB has made substantial contributions to the conception and design of the study; MR and MS has collected and contributed to the data analysis; DR has made a substantial contribution to the drafting of the manuscript and to its critical revision, adding important intellectual content; AA has designed and conceptualized the study.

All the authors have given their final approval of the version to be published.

Competing Interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

• Law-Medicine Research Guide
• Four Ways To Start
• Federal Government Health Law Sources
• Ohio Health Law Resources

Selected US Health Information Links

Health Information Websites: 

American Medical Association

Cancer Information Service

Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Law-Medicine Center Website

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Child Welfare Information Gateway

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Information Resource Center

Federal Citizen Information Center

Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion  (https://health.gov/)

HealthyPeople

MedicineNet

MedicalNewsToday

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

National Health Information Center

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse

National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse

NetWellness:  Consumer Health Information (University of Cincinnati, Ohio State University & Case Western Reserve University)

Welcome to Law-Medicine Research Guide

Law-Medicine Research and Writing:

This research guide is an introduction to U.S. health law research, primarily US federal and Ohio state health law materials available at the Judge Ben C. Green Library, Case Western Reserve University.  When selecting a research topic topic, consider consulting research methodology resources in the subject area(s) you are interested in exploring.  Topics such as bioethics, public health emergency preparedness, and policy changes to Medicare/Medicaid, among others, are Health Law topics with important elements of social and economic policy as well.  For example, as the US prepares to replace the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, 124 Stat. 119(2010) , the intersection of  "law and medicine" will, once again, be embedded in the process.  

Excellent research guides on health law topics have been published online by major university Law Libraries.  Research Guides by the Georgetown University Law Library  and Harvard University Law Library are frequently updated and referenced.

This research guide can be used for planning, structuring and, organizing research throughout your project.  

• Next: Four Ways To Start >>
• Last Updated: Feb 7, 2024 10:47 AM
• URL: https://lawresearchguides.cwru.edu/LawMedicine

Select Your Interests

Customize your JAMA Network experience by selecting one or more topics from the list below.

• Academic Medicine
• Acid Base, Electrolytes, Fluids
• Allergy and Clinical Immunology
• American Indian or Alaska Natives
• Anesthesiology
• Anticoagulation
• Art and Images in Psychiatry
• Artificial Intelligence
• Assisted Reproduction
• Bleeding and Transfusion
• Caring for the Critically Ill Patient
• Challenges in Clinical Electrocardiography
• Climate and Health
• Climate Change
• Clinical Challenge
• Clinical Decision Support
• Clinical Implications of Basic Neuroscience
• Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Consensus Statements
• Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Critical Care Medicine
• Cultural Competency
• Dental Medicine
• Dermatology
• Diabetes and Endocrinology
• Diagnostic Test Interpretation
• Drug Development
• Electronic Health Records
• Emergency Medicine
• End of Life, Hospice, Palliative Care
• Environmental Health
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
• Facial Plastic Surgery
• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Genetics and Genomics
• Genomics and Precision Health
• Global Health
• Guide to Statistics and Methods
• Hair Disorders
• Health Care Delivery Models
• Health Care Economics, Insurance, Payment
• Health Care Quality
• Health Care Reform
• Health Care Safety
• Health Care Workforce
• Health Disparities
• Health Inequities
• Health Policy
• Health Systems Science
• History of Medicine
• Hypertension
• Images in Neurology
• Implementation Science
• Infectious Diseases
• Innovations in Health Care Delivery
• JAMA Infographic
• Law and Medicine
• Leading Change
• Less is More
• LGBTQIA Medicine
• Lifestyle Behaviors
• Medical Coding
• Medical Devices and Equipment
• Medical Education
• Medical Education and Training
• Medical Journals and Publishing
• Mobile Health and Telemedicine
• Narrative Medicine
• Neuroscience and Psychiatry
• Notable Notes
• Nutrition, Obesity, Exercise
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Occupational Health
• Ophthalmology
• Orthopedics
• Otolaryngology
• Pain Medicine
• Palliative Care
• Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
• Patient Care
• Patient Information
• Performance Improvement
• Performance Measures
• Perioperative Care and Consultation
• Pharmacoeconomics
• Pharmacoepidemiology
• Pharmacogenetics
• Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacology
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Physical Therapy
• Physician Leadership
• Population Health
• Primary Care
• Professional Well-being
• Professionalism
• Psychiatry and Behavioral Health
• Public Health
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Regulatory Agencies
• Reproductive Health
• Research, Methods, Statistics
• Resuscitation
• Rheumatology
• Risk Management
• Scientific Discovery and the Future of Medicine
• Shared Decision Making and Communication
• Sleep Medicine
• Sports Medicine
• Stem Cell Transplantation
• Substance Use and Addiction Medicine
• Surgical Innovation
• Surgical Pearls
• Teachable Moment
• Technology and Finance
• The Art of JAMA
• The Arts and Medicine
• The Rational Clinical Examination
• Tobacco and e-Cigarettes
• Translational Medicine
• Trauma and Injury
• Treatment Adherence
• Ultrasonography
• Users' Guide to the Medical Literature
• Vaccination
• Venous Thromboembolism
• Veterans Health
• Women's Health
• Workflow and Process
• Wound Care, Infection, Healing
• Download PDF
• Share X Facebook Email LinkedIn
• Permissions

Legal Medicine: A Professional Option

Not Available

"Legal medicine" and "medical jurisprudence" are terms used to describe a professional discipline that has been evolving for more than 200 years in the United States. Early works about medical-legal affairs such as Samuel Farr's Elements of Medical Jurisprudence (1788) and Thomas Cooper's Tracts on Medical Jurisprudence (1819) testify to the intellectual interest surrounding this field in the post-Revolutionary United States. As early as 1804, legal medicine was taught at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, where James Stringham, MD, was the first to integrate legal medicine into medical education. By 1877, Harvard University had established a professorship in legal medicine, thereby consolidating the field's position in the medical academic community.

In spite of this, few individuals attempted to combine the 2 professions of medicine and jurisprudence until the middle of the 20th century. The American College of Legal Medicine (ACLM), for example, created to provide continuing legal education to attorneys and physicians, was not founded until 1955. Changes in medical practice during the second half of the 20th century eventually led to a new demand for persons with medicolegal knowledge. Increasing malpractice litigation created a new awareness of medicolegal affairs, for example, as did changes in the law such as the Federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, which regulates interhospital transfers of patients, an area fraught with legal and financial consequences. 1 The increasing interest in legal medicine has resulted in several thousand persons currently holding both degrees 2 and the availability of dual-degree programs in several medical schools. 3

A review of directories of attorneys suggests that most dual-degree holders choose to practice one profession or the other, rather than both. 2 As an example, 5 of the 6 physicians who attended law school with the author of this article returned to the practice of medicine. Physicians with law degrees presumably return to medical practice with an enhanced understanding of the relationship between medicine, law, and society. Physicians with legal training may also provide consultative services for practicing attorneys, especially in the medical malpractice arena. Several companies exist that act as brokers, matching clients who may have valid claims with physician-attorneys who practice the same area of medicine, to impartially evaluate the claim's validity.

Those who choose to practice law may engage in medical malpractice law, either as plaintiffs' attorneys or as members of the defense bar. Others are engaged in assisting physicians and other health care professionals with credentialing and licensing issues. Physician-attorneys can be found as medical directors of insurance companies and managed care organizations, as well as staff people in policy thinktanks and political organizations. I practice Social Security disability law, using medical knowledge to advance the claims of persons seeking disability benefits pursuant to the Social Security Act. Workers compensation law is another fruitful field for the medically trained attorney, who is able by virtue of his or her training to judge the validity of medical evaluations prepared by employers or employee-hired medical consultants.

Individuals interested in the medical-legal professional's world can view the ACLM Web site 4 or the Web site of the American Society of Law, Medicine, and Ethics 5 or review Legal Medicine , a textbook produced by the ACLM that provides an excellent grounding in legal medicine. 6 Medical students should understand that law school requires 3 additional years of education, a significant commitment for people already facing protracted training. Those who enter law after medicine may find the transition unsettling. From a world focused on the scientific method, the physician enters a world focused on construction of logical linear arguments that are "good" if they support the client, sometimes with scant regard for whether they are "right." In the end, it is not difficult to reconcile these 2 views, but it can be an adjustment.

What is the future of the medical-legal profession? In my view, the future of legal medicine is inextricably tied to the evolution of US health care as a whole. From a cottage industry practiced by independent small-business people through the 1950's, medicine may be on the verge of becoming a government-regulated utility, with both practice guidelines and pricing established by government fiat. Such an environment can only fuel the need for people with the combination of medical and legal knowledge.

As I facetiously tell my patients, I went to law school more than 10 years ago so I could have more flexibility when making mistakes—I could choose whether to sue myself or to defend myself. In the future, there will be a need for professionals who are able to provide medically grounded advice, counsel, and defense for health professionals, as well as expert knowledge and guidance to policy making and regulating bodies.

Howard ML. Legal Medicine: A Professional Option. JAMA. 2001;285(17):2251. doi:10.1001/jama.285.17.2251-JMS0502-4-1

Manage citations:

© 2024

Artificial Intelligence Resource Center

Cardiology in JAMA : Read the Latest

Browse and subscribe to JAMA Network podcasts!

Others Also Liked

• Register for email alerts with links to free full-text articles
• Access PDFs of free articles
• Manage your interests
• Save searches and receive search alerts

University of Wisconsin Law Library Research Guides

Uw-madison libraries research guides.

• Course Guides
• Subject Guides
• University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Research Guides
• Topics in Health Law

Health Law : Topics in Health Law

• General Print Resources
• Journals and Periodicals
• Government Resources, Laws and Regulations
• Electronic Resources
• Case Law, Reports and Articles
• Center for Patient Partnerships & Health Sciences Library

Law Librarian

Ask a Librarian

Subject guide to uw library catalog.

Books and other materials on Health Law can be found in the UW-Madison library catalog . The catalog default is Relevancy, to switch this to date order, select Relevancy and a dropdown menu will appear, select newest to oldest.  

Clinical Trials Law and Legislation

Discrimination in Medical Care

Emergency Medical Services

Health Law and Legislation

Health Decision Making

Health Insurance Law and Legislation

Health Insurance Law and Legislation Criminal Provisions

Infectious Diseases and Law

Informed Consent Medical Law

Medicaid Law and Legislation

Medicaid Fraud

Medicare United States Corrupt Practices

Medical Records Access Control

Right to Die Law and Legislation

• << Previous: Home
• Next: General Print Resources >>
• Last Updated: Apr 24, 2024 3:18 PM
• URL: https://researchguides.library.wisc.edu/healthlaw

• [email protected]

Home » Blog » Dissertation » Topics » Law » Medical Law and Ethics » 80 Medical Law and Ethics Research Topics

80 Medical Law and Ethics Research Topics

FacebookXEmailWhatsAppRedditPinterestLinkedInFor students embarking on the arduous academic research journey, the quest for compelling and thought-provoking topics is akin to setting sail in uncharted waters. As the tides of academia ebb and flow, selecting suitable research topics becomes ever more critical, particularly in Medical Law and Ethics. Whether you are an aspiring undergraduate, a seasoned master’s […]

For students embarking on the arduous academic research journey, the quest for compelling and thought-provoking topics is akin to setting sail in uncharted waters. As the tides of academia ebb and flow, selecting suitable research topics becomes ever more critical, particularly in Medical Law and Ethics. Whether you are an aspiring undergraduate, a seasoned master’s candidate, or a doctoral scholar poised on the precipice of discovery, the world of medical law and ethics research topics awaits your exploration. This blog post will guide you through the possibilities, offering a treasure trove of ideas to fuel your thesis or dissertation journey. The path to scholarly excellence begins with carefully selecting research topics, and we’re here to light the way.

Medical Law and Ethics, often referred to as “Healthcare Law and Ethics,” “Medical Ethics,” and “Bioethical Regulations.”, constitute an interdisciplinary field that scrutinizes the intricate relationship between medicine, law, and ethical principles. It is the study of legal standards, regulations, and moral dilemmas that permeate the healthcare industry.

A List Of Potential Research Topics In Medical Law and Ethics:

• Organ transplantation and allocation: a review of ethical dilemmas and policy reforms.
• Euthanasia and assisted suicide: a comparative review of laws and ethics worldwide.
• Exploring the rights of minors in medical decision-making and the role of parental consent.
• Investigating the role of medical ethics in the allocation of NHS resources.
• Assessing the ethical considerations of pediatric medical research and child assent.
• Exploring the legal challenges surrounding genetic testing and discrimination in healthcare.
• Investigating the legal and ethical dimensions of medical cannabis and marijuana use.
• Analyzing the ethical challenges of fetal surgery and prenatal interventions.
• Advance directives and end-of-life decision-making: a review of legal and ethical perspectives.
• Medical tourism: A review of patient rights, quality of care, and legal remedies.
• Assessing the ethics of human challenge trials in vaccine development.
• Analyzing the legal and ethical dimensions of medical tourism advertising and marketing.
• Assessing the ethical challenges of genome sequencing in newborn screening.
• Investigating the role of data privacy in contact tracing and public health surveillance.
• Analyzing the legal and ethical implications of human cloning and reproductive cloning.
• Investigating the legal and ethical aspects of Mental Capacity Act assessments.
• Analyzing the legal frameworks for euthanasia and physician-assisted death.
• Investigating the legal and ethical aspects of non-disclosure agreements in medical malpractice cases.
• Ethical considerations in global health: a review of healthcare equity, access, and responsibility.
• Assessing the impact of COVID-19 on medical malpractice lawsuits and liability.
• Analyzing the legal frameworks for organ donation and transplantation in the UK.
• Informed consent in medical research and microfinance : Ethical considerations and legal frameworks.
• Patient confidentiality in healthcare and business law: Balancing legal obligations
• Analyzing the legal and ethical dimensions of assisted dying legislation in the UK.
• Telemedicine and telehealth: a review of legal and ethical implications in modern healthcare.
• Assessing the ethical considerations of “Vaccine passports” and digital health certificates.
• Exploring the role of medical ethics in end-of-life care decision-making in the UK.
• Healthcare resource allocation in a pandemic: a review of ethical frameworks and case studies.
• Examining the impact of Brexit on cross-border healthcare in the UK.
• Examining the impact of pandemic-related emergency powers on civil liberties and medical ethics.
• Analyzing the impact of religious beliefs on medical decision-making and patient autonomy.
• Evaluating the legal and ethical implications of AI and machine learning in medical decision-making.
• A critical review of the ethical implications of gene editing and designer babies.
• Assessing the ethical considerations of genetic privacy and genetic discrimination.
• Assessing the ethical considerations of mandatory vaccination policies.
• Examining the impact of AI-powered chatbots in patient communication and informed consent.
• Exploring the rights and responsibilities of healthcare providers in the age of medical AI.
• Exploring the role of ethics committees in hospital decision-making.
• Exploring the role of medical ethics in resource-scarce environments and global health.
• Medical data privacy and security: a review of regulatory frameworks and emerging technologies.
• Analyzing the ethical challenges of resource allocation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Medical research ethics: a review of contemporary debates in human subjects protection.
• Assessing the legal and ethical implications of human enhancement technologies in medicine.
• Pharmaceutical industry ethics: a review of drug pricing, marketing, and clinical trials.
• Investigating the role of artificial intelligence in medical diagnostics and treatment recommendations.
• Assessing the ethical considerations of human microbiome research and manipulation.
• Examining the legal frameworks for organ transplant allocation and its ethical implications.
• Examining the legal and ethical aspects of drug testing in athletics and sports medicine.
• Assessing the legal and ethical challenges of medical tourism.
• Examining the impact of data privacy laws on medical data sharing and research.
• Examining the role of ethics consultation services in healthcare institutions.
• The role of artificial intelligence in medical diagnostics: a review of legal and ethical challenges.
• Examining the role of ethical guidelines in resource allocation during healthcare crises.
• Assessing the ethics of organ trafficking and organ trade.
• Analyzing the legal and ethical dimensions of COVID-19 treatment rationing.
• Analyzing the impact of telemedicine on patient privacy and informed consent in medical practice.
• Investigating the legal and ethical issues surrounding access to experimental treatments.
• Assessing the ethics of covid-19 vaccination policies in the UK.
• Patient confidentiality in healthcare and business law : Balancing legal obligations.
• A comprehensive review of informed consent in medical research: recent developments and ethical challenges.
• Investigating the role of medical ethics committees in resolving end-of-life dilemmas.
• Analyzing the legal and ethical implications of physician-patient confidentiality in the digital age.
• Medical malpractice lawsuits: a review of recent cases and trends in legal liability.
• Assessing the ethics of vaccine distribution equity during the COVID-19 crisis.
• Assessing the impact of medical error disclosure and apology laws on patient outcomes.
• Investigating the legal and ethical aspects of mental health care and involuntary commitment.
• The role of medical ethics committees: a review of their effectiveness and decision-making processes.
• Analyzing the legal and ethical implications of medical malpractice insurance.
• Analyzing the role of informed consent in medical experiments and clinical trials.
• Exploring the legal and ethical aspects of telehealth regulation post-covid-19.
• Analyzing the legal frameworks for assisted reproductive technologies and surrogacy.
• Disability rights and healthcare: a review of legal protections and ethical considerations.
• Medical ethics and environmental health: a review of ethical considerations in addressing climate change and health equity.
• Exploring the intersection of medical ethics and environmental health concerns.
• Examining the impact of medical negligence laws on healthcare quality and accountability.
• Legal and ethical issues in pediatric healthcare: a review of current debates and policies.
• Investigating the rights of healthcare workers in the context of COVID-19.
• Investigating the rights and protections of medical whistleblowers.
• Analyzing the ethical and legal dimensions of medical research involving vulnerable populations.
• Exploring the legal and ethical issues surrounding end-of-life care for minors.

In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, the significance of research topics in Medical Law and Ethics cannot be overstated. For undergraduates, these topics serve as the foundation for exploring ethical quandaries and legal intricacies. Masters candidates delve deeper, contributing to the discourse, while doctoral scholars blaze new trails of knowledge. Remember, your journey starts with a well-chosen research topic. As you embark on this scholarly voyage, may your inquiries be incisive, your insights profound, and your contributions to Medical Law and Ethics genuinely remarkable. Happy researching!

Order Medical Law and Ethics Law Dissertation Now!

External Links:

• Download Medical Law/Ethics Dissertation Sample For Your Perusal

Research Topic Help Service

Get unique research topics exactly as per your requirements. We will send you a mini proposal on the chosen topic which includes;

• Research Statement
• Research Questions
• Key Literature Highlights
• Proposed Methodology
• View a Sample of Service

Ensure Your Good Grades With Our Writing Help

• Talk to the assigned writer before payment
• Get topic if you don't have one
• Multiple draft submissions to have supervisor's feedback
• Free revisions
• Complete privacy
• Plagiarism Free work
• Guaranteed 2:1 (With help of your supervisor's feedback)
• 2 Installments plan
• Special discounts

Other Posts

• 80 Administrative Law Research Topics August 30, 2023 -->
• 80 Agricultural Law Research Topics August 30, 2023 -->
• 80 Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Research Topics August 30, 2023 -->
• 80 Antitrust and Competition Law Research Topics August 31, 2023 -->
• 80 Arbitration Dispute Resolution Law Research Topics September 3, 2023 -->
• 80 Banking Law Research Topics August 31, 2023 -->
• 80 Business Law Research Topics August 31, 2023 -->
• 80 Civil Rights Law Research Topics August 31, 2023 -->
• 80 Commercial Law Research Topics August 31, 2023 -->
• 80 Comparative Law Research Topics August 31, 2023 -->
• 80 Constitutional Law Research Topics September 1, 2023 -->
• 80 Consumer Law Research Topics September 1, 2023 -->
• 80 Contract Law Research Topics September 1, 2023 -->
• 80 Corporate Law Research Topics August 17, 2023 -->
• 80 Criminal Law Research Topics September 1, 2023 -->
• 80 Cyber Law Research Topics September 1, 2023 -->
• 80 Employment Law Research Topics September 1, 2023 -->
• 80 Energy Law Research Topics August 17, 2023 -->
• 80 Environmental Law Research Topics September 1, 2023 -->
• 80 Estate Planning and Probate Law Research Topics September 1, 2023 -->
• 80 Family Law Research Topics September 2, 2023 -->
• 80 Health Law Research Topics September 2, 2023 -->
• 80 Human Rights Law Research Topics September 3, 2023 -->
• 80 Immigration Law Research Topics September 3, 2023 -->
• 80 Insurance Law Research Topics September 3, 2023 -->
• 80 Intellectual Property Law Research Topics September 3, 2023 -->
• 80 International Business Law Research Topics September 3, 2023 -->
• 80 International Commercial Law Research Topics August 17, 2023 -->
• 80 International Criminal Law Research Topics September 3, 2023 -->
• 80 International Investment Law Research Topics September 4, 2023 -->

WhatsApp us

• Harvard Library
• Research Guides
• Guides by Subject

Specialized Research Topics in Law

Except where otherwise noted, this work is subject to a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , which allows anyone to share and adapt our material as long as proper attribution is given. For details and exceptions, see the Harvard Library Copyright Policy ©2021 Presidents and Fellows of Harvard College.

77 interesting medical research topics for 2024

Last updated

25 November 2023

Reviewed by

Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L

Medical research is the gateway to improved patient care and expanding our available treatment options. However, finding a relevant and compelling research topic can be challenging.

Use this article as a jumping-off point to select an interesting medical research topic for your next paper or clinical study.

• How to choose a medical research topic

When choosing a research topic , it’s essential to consider a couple of things. What topics interest you? What unanswered questions do you want to address? 

During the decision-making and brainstorming process, here are a few helpful tips to help you pick the right medical research topic:

Focus on a particular field of study

The best medical research is specific to a particular area. Generalized studies are often too broad to produce meaningful results, so we advise picking a specific niche early in the process. 

Maybe a certain topic interests you, or your industry knowledge reveals areas of need.

Look into commonly researched topics

Once you’ve chosen your research field, do some preliminary research. What have other academics done in their papers and projects? 

From this list, you can focus on specific topics that interest you without accidentally creating a copycat project. This groundwork will also help you uncover any literature gaps—those may be beneficial areas for research.

Get curious and ask questions

Now you can get curious. Ask questions that start with why, how, or what. These questions are the starting point of your project design and will act as your guiding light throughout the process. 

For example: 

What impact does pollution have on children’s lung function in inner-city neighborhoods? 

Why is pollution-based asthma on the rise? 

How can we address pollution-induced asthma in young children? 

• 77 medical research topics worth exploring in 2023

Need some research inspiration for your upcoming paper or clinical study? We’ve compiled a list of 77 topical and in-demand medical research ideas. Let’s take a look. 

• Exciting new medical research topics

If you want to study cutting-edge topics, here are some exciting options:

COVID-19 and long COVID symptoms

Since 2020, COVID-19 has been a hot-button topic in medicine, along with the long-term symptoms in those with a history of COVID-19. 

Examples of COVID-19-related research topics worth exploring include:

The long-term impact of COVID-19 on cardiac and respiratory health

COVID-19 vaccination rates

The evolution of COVID-19 symptoms over time

New variants and strains of the COVID-19 virus

Changes in social behavior and public health regulations amid COVID-19

Vaccinations

Finding ways to cure or reduce the disease burden of chronic infectious diseases is a crucial research area. Vaccination is a powerful option and a great topic to research. 

Examples of vaccination-related research topics include:

mRNA vaccines for viral infections

Biomaterial vaccination capabilities

Vaccination rates based on location, ethnicity, or age

Public opinion about vaccination safety 

Artificial tissues fabrication

With the need for donor organs increasing, finding ways to fabricate artificial bioactive tissues (and possibly organs) is a popular research area. 

Examples of artificial tissue-related research topics you can study include:

The viability of artificially printed tissues

Tissue substrate and building block material studies

The ethics and efficacy of artificial tissue creation

• Medical research topics for medical students

For many medical students, research is a big driver for entering healthcare. If you’re a medical student looking for a research topic, here are some great ideas to work from:

Sleep disorders

Poor sleep quality is a growing problem, and it can significantly impact a person’s overall health. 

Examples of sleep disorder-related research topics include:

How stress affects sleep quality

The prevalence and impact of insomnia on patients with mental health conditions

Possible triggers for sleep disorder development

The impact of poor sleep quality on psychological and physical health

How melatonin supplements impact sleep quality

Alzheimer’s and dementia 

Cognitive conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are on the rise worldwide. They currently have no cure. As a result, research about these topics is in high demand. 

Examples of dementia-related research topics you could explore include:

The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in a chosen population

Early onset symptoms of dementia

Possible triggers or causes of cognitive decline with age

Treatment options for dementia-like conditions

The mental and physical burden of caregiving for patients with dementia

• Lifestyle habits and public health

Modern lifestyles have profoundly impacted the average person’s daily habits, and plenty of interesting topics explore its effects. 

Examples of lifestyle and public health-related research topics include:

The nutritional intake of college students

The impact of chronic work stress on overall health

The rise of upper back and neck pain from laptop use

Prevalence and cause of repetitive strain injuries (RSI)

• Controversial medical research paper topics

Medical research is a hotbed of controversial topics, content, and areas of study. 

If you want to explore a more niche (and attention-grabbing) concept, here are some controversial medical research topics worth looking into:

The benefits and risks of medical cannabis

Depending on where you live, the legalization and use of cannabis for medical conditions is controversial for the general public and healthcare providers.

Examples of medical cannabis-related research topics that might grab your attention include:

The legalization process of medical cannabis

The impact of cannabis use on developmental milestones in youth users

Cannabis and mental health diagnoses

CBD’s impact on chronic pain

Prevalence of cannabis use in young people

The impact of maternal cannabis use on fetal development 

Understanding how THC impacts cognitive function

Human genetics

The Human Genome Project identified, mapped, and sequenced all human DNA genes. Its completion in 2003 opened up a world of exciting and controversial studies in human genetics.

Examples of human genetics-related research topics worth delving into include:

Medical genetics and the incidence of genetic-based health disorders

Behavioral genetics differences between identical twins

Genetic risk factors for neurodegenerative disorders

Machine learning technologies for genetic research

Sexual health studies

Human sexuality and sexual health are important (yet often stigmatized) medical topics that need new research and analysis.

As a diverse field ranging from sexual orientation studies to sexual pathophysiology, examples of sexual health-related research topics include:

The incidence of sexually transmitted infections within a chosen population

Mental health conditions within the LGBTQIA+ community

The impact of untreated sexually transmitted infections

Access to safe sex resources (condoms, dental dams, etc.) in rural areas

• Health and wellness research topics

Human wellness and health are trendy topics in modern medicine as more people are interested in finding natural ways to live healthier lifestyles. 

If this field of study interests you, here are some big topics in the wellness space:

Gluten sensitivity

Gluten allergies and intolerances have risen over the past few decades. If you’re interested in exploring this topic, your options range in severity from mild gastrointestinal symptoms to full-blown anaphylaxis. 

Some examples of gluten sensitivity-related research topics include:

The pathophysiology and incidence of Celiac disease

Early onset symptoms of gluten intolerance

The prevalence of gluten allergies within a set population

Gluten allergies and the incidence of other gastrointestinal health conditions

Pollution and lung health

Living in large urban cities means regular exposure to high levels of pollutants. 

As more people become interested in protecting their lung health, examples of impactful lung health and pollution-related research topics include:

The extent of pollution in densely packed urban areas

The prevalence of pollution-based asthma in a set population

Lung capacity and function in young people

The benefits and risks of steroid therapy for asthma

Pollution risks based on geographical location

Plant-based diets

Plant-based diets like vegan and paleo diets are emerging trends in healthcare due to their limited supporting research. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the potential benefits or risks of holistic, diet-based medicine, examples of plant-based diet research topics to explore include:

Vegan and plant-based diets as part of disease management

Potential risks and benefits of specific plant-based diets

Plant-based diets and their impact on body mass index

The effect of diet and lifestyle on chronic disease management

Health supplements

Supplements are a multi-billion dollar industry. Many health-conscious people take supplements, including vitamins, minerals, herbal medicine, and more. 

Examples of health supplement-related research topics worth investigating include:

Omega-3 fish oil safety and efficacy for cardiac patients

The benefits and risks of regular vitamin D supplementation

Health supplementation regulation and product quality

The impact of social influencer marketing on consumer supplement practices

Analyzing added ingredients in protein powders

• Healthcare research topics

Working within the healthcare industry means you have insider knowledge and opportunity. Maybe you’d like to research the overall system, administration, and inherent biases that disrupt access to quality care. 

While these topics are essential to explore, it is important to note that these studies usually require approval and oversight from an Institutional Review Board (IRB). This ensures the study is ethical and does not harm any subjects. 

For this reason, the IRB sets protocols that require additional planning, so consider this when mapping out your study’s timeline. 

Here are some examples of trending healthcare research areas worth pursuing:

The pros and cons of electronic health records

The rise of electronic healthcare charting and records has forever changed how medical professionals and patients interact with their health data. 

Examples of electronic health record-related research topics include:

The number of medication errors reported during a software switch

Nurse sentiment analysis of electronic charting practices

Ethical and legal studies into encrypting and storing personal health data

Inequities within healthcare access

Many barriers inhibit people from accessing the quality medical care they need. These issues result in health disparities and injustices. 

Examples of research topics about health inequities include:

The impact of social determinants of health in a set population

Early and late-stage cancer stage diagnosis in urban vs. rural populations

Affordability of life-saving medications

Health insurance limitations and their impact on overall health

Diagnostic and treatment rates across ethnicities

People who belong to an ethnic minority are more likely to experience barriers and restrictions when trying to receive quality medical care. This is due to systemic healthcare racism and bias. 

As a result, diagnostic and treatment rates in minority populations are a hot-button field of research. Examples of ethnicity-based research topics include:

Cancer biopsy rates in BIPOC women

The prevalence of diabetes in Indigenous communities

Access inequalities in women’s health preventative screenings

The prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension in Black populations

• Pharmaceutical research topics

Large pharmaceutical companies are incredibly interested in investing in research to learn more about potential cures and treatments for diseases. 

If you’re interested in building a career in pharmaceutical research, here are a few examples of in-demand research topics:

Cancer treatment options

Clinical research is in high demand as pharmaceutical companies explore novel cancer treatment options outside of chemotherapy and radiation. 

Examples of cancer treatment-related research topics include:

Stem cell therapy for cancer

Oncogenic gene dysregulation and its impact on disease

Cancer-causing viral agents and their risks

Treatment efficacy based on early vs. late-stage cancer diagnosis

Cancer vaccines and targeted therapies

Immunotherapy for cancer

Pain medication alternatives

Historically, opioid medications were the primary treatment for short- and long-term pain. But, with the opioid epidemic getting worse, the need for alternative pain medications has never been more urgent. 

Examples of pain medication-related research topics include:

Opioid withdrawal symptoms and risks

Early signs of pain medication misuse

Anti-inflammatory medications for pain control

• Identify trends in your medical research with Dovetail

Are you interested in contributing life-changing research? Today’s medical research is part of the future of clinical patient care. 

As your go-to resource for speedy and accurate data analysis , we are proud to partner with healthcare researchers to innovate and improve the future of healthcare.

Should you be using a customer insights hub?

Do you want to discover previous research faster?

Do you share your research findings with others?

Do you analyze research data?

Start for free today, add your research, and get to key insights faster

Editor’s picks

Last updated: 11 January 2024

Last updated: 15 January 2024

Last updated: 17 January 2024

Last updated: 12 May 2023

Last updated: 30 April 2024

Last updated: 18 May 2023

Last updated: 25 November 2023

Last updated: 13 May 2024

Latest articles

Related topics, .css-je19u9{-webkit-align-items:flex-end;-webkit-box-align:flex-end;-ms-flex-align:flex-end;align-items:flex-end;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:wrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;row-gap:0;text-align:center;max-width:671px;}@media (max-width: 1079px){.css-je19u9{max-width:400px;}.css-je19u9>span{white-space:pre;}}@media (max-width: 799px){.css-je19u9{max-width:400px;}.css-je19u9>span{white-space:pre;}} decide what to .css-1kiodld{max-height:56px;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;}@media (max-width: 1079px){.css-1kiodld{display:none;}} build next, decide what to build next.

Users report unexpectedly high data usage, especially during streaming sessions.

Users find it hard to navigate from the home page to relevant playlists in the app.

It would be great to have a sleep timer feature, especially for bedtime listening.

I need better filters to find the songs or artists I’m looking for.

Log in or sign up

Get started for free

• National Academics of Science, Engineering, and Medicine Issues Report on Inclusion of Pregnant and Lactating Persons in Clinical Research

Last month, the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (“NASEM”) issued a report discussing the inclusion of pregnant and lactating people in clinical research and the health impacts of inadequate data from research involving this subpopulation. Titled “Advancing Clinical Research with Pregnant and Lactating Persons: Overcoming Real and Perceived Liability Risks,” the report came as a response to Congress calling upon NASEM to examine the real and perceived prevalence of legal liability resulting from including these research subjects in clinical trials. Overall, the report concluded that legal liability for including pregnant and lactating persons in research is very limited, but that perceptions of potential liability and a lack of explicit guidance for including this population safely have created real barriers to their inclusion.  In response, the report provides recommended actions for Congress, the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), the National Institutes of Health (“NIH”), and the Office of Human Research Protections (“OHRP”) to take to enhance the inclusion of this population in clinical trials, thereby enhancing data around the safety and efficacy of approved drug products for pregnant and lactating persons.  Study sponsors and institutions conducting research should continue to monitor developments in this area, including guidance from FDA.

Following the approval of a drug and its introduction to the market, inadequate data from pregnant and lactating research participants can lead to a variety of health risks. First, providers are left to prescribe medications without having adequate data about dosage, efficacy, and safety for this unique population. Second, some pregnant or lactating individuals choose to forego medication due to uncertainty of the medication’s impact on the fetus or the nursing child. NASEM notes that this is of heightened importance given that 70% of pregnant persons and at least 50% of lactating persons take medications, many for chronic conditions. Without adequate pregnancy or lactation data available in controlled clinical studies, patients and their providers are often left to individually assess the clinical benefit and risk associated with any particular medication.

The report’s authors were charged with evaluating the risk of legal liability for sponsors when pregnant and lactating persons are included in clinical trials.  In doing so, the authors argue that risk of legal liability is greater when excluding pregnant and lactating persons in research compared to including the population with protective safety measures. The historical exclusion of pregnant and lactating patients has, in effect, led to these patients taking medications for which there is insufficient safety and efficacy evidence. According to the report, if this population were safely included in clinical studies, legal and health risks would diminish because the impacts of medications could be measured within a small study population. This realization gave rise to Congress authorizing the creation of a Task Force on Research Specific to Pregnant and Lactating Women (the “PRGLAC”) in 2016 to evaluate gaps in knowledge regarding safe and effective therapies for this population. The PRGLAC released a report in 2018, revealing that possibility and fear of legal liability is often a root cause of excluding pregnant and lactating women in clinical research. 

Report Findings on Liability 

The report includes a review of case law to determine (i) the prevalence of liability cases stemming from harm to pregnant and lactating research participants and (ii) the harm to pregnant and lactating patients who take a drug after it has been approved. Generally, the report found there were no legal liability claims from the involvement of pregnant and lactating persons in clinical trials for pre-market medications since 1962, the year the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was granted authority to require proof of safety and efficacy of products before going to market. However, the report indicated there have been numerous cases arising from the use of post-market drugs by pregnant and lactating patients. We believe these findings may be somewhat limited. Given most clinical studies categorically exclude pregnant and lactating individuals, the number of potential claims able to be filed is very low. 

Report Recommendations 

The report provides nine recommendations for addressing the inclusion of pregnant and lactating persons in clinical research. We provide a summary of NASEM’s recommendations, specifically highlighting those we find most realistic and effective, below. 

1. FDA Regulations and Guidance 

The report proposes that FDA revise guidance to set forth its expectation that pregnant and lactating persons be included early in studies, no later than the end of Phase III, for products expected to be used by these populations following approval. Among other things, the report proposes that FDA provide study designs, safeguards, and product-specific monitoring expected for conducting studies with this population.  Such standards may help to minimize potential harm to research participants and thereby reduce the potential for liability from adverse outcomes. 

Additionally, the report calls on FDA to require the inclusion of pregnant and lactating persons in diversity action plans when a drug is anticipated to be used in this population.  Our FDA colleagues have previously covered diversity action plans in a previous post . The regulated community eagerly awaits further guidance from FDA on the issue.

2. OHRP Guidance 

The report suggests that OHRP issue clarifying guidance targeted at clinical researchers, institutional review boards, and data and safety monitoring boards. Specifically, the authors recommend guidance on the definitions of “minimal risk” and “additional safeguards” in existing regulations governing additional protections for pregnant women, fetuses, and neonates in research. Additionally, they propose guidance include frequently asked questions to assist researchers in assessing risk and justifications for inclusion of pregnant and lactating research subjects.  As the authors acknowledge, harmonizing OHRP and FDA guidance on the standards for review by IRBs will be critical in ensuring that the regulated community has a consistent set of standards and guidance to follow.  

3. Federal Legislation 

The report calls upon Congress to pass new legislation to incentivize manufacturers to include pregnant and lactating participants in research.  In doing so, the authors believe any proposed legislation should be modeled on the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act  and the Pediatric Research Equity Act . To address the lack of incentivization by manufacturers to conduct studies in these populations, legislation could offer manufacturers extended market or data exclusivity, as well as tax breaks.  Finally, the authors propose Congress enact legislation granting FDA the authority to require research related to the use of drugs, biologics, vaccines, and devices in pregnant and lactating women.

4. Action from NIH 

Separate from incentives for manufacturers, the report calls upon the NIH to prioritize research that includes this subpopulation, developing priority lists of approved medicinal products that stand to benefit most from further research.  Moreover, the authors encourage the NIH and other federal agencies cover the cost of clinical trial insurance for federally funded studies that include pregnant and lactating persons in the trial population, suggesting that the additional expense should not be included in the NIH cap for direct costs for grant awards. Covering the expense of clinical trial insurance could both increase the willingness of institutions to conduct research in this population, without significant financial risk to the institution, and address ethical concerns around the availability of compensation for research harms and the equitable provision of that compensation. 

5. Protecting privacy through certificates of confidentiality 

Lastly, the report proposes researchers utilize certificates of confidentiality to provide greater privacy protections for this population’s research data.  In the aftermath of  the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health decision and the continued passage of restrictive abortion laws at the state level, researchers have raised a number of concerns regarding the collection of pregnancy-related information from research subjects. Certificates of confidentiality issued by NIH prohibit identifiable, sensitive research information from being accessed to anyone outside of the research study. While certificates of confidentiality are automatically granted for federally funded research, researchers conducting studies with non-federal funding sources can also apply to the NIH for a certificate. 

[ View source .]

Related Posts

• mHealth Alert: Text4baby: Texting Health Messages to Pregnant Women and New Moms

Latest Posts

• FDA’s Final LDT Rule Is Here, and the Changes Show the Agency Is Serious and Actually Listening to Stakeholders
• Unpacking CMS’s 2025 DSNP Changes: Considerations for Medicare Advantage Organizations
• PBM Policy and Legislative Update — Winter 2024

See more »

DISCLAIMER: Because of the generality of this update, the information provided herein may not be applicable in all situations and should not be acted upon without specific legal advice based on particular situations.

Refine your interests »

Written by:

Published In:

Mintz - health care viewpoints on:.

"My best business intelligence, in one easy email…"

• Global directory Global directory
• Product logins Product logins
• Contact us Contact us

Our Privacy Statement & Cookie Policy

All Thomson Reuters websites use cookies to improve your online experience. They were placed on your computer when you launched this website. You can change your cookie settings through your browser.

• Privacy Statement
• Cookie Policy

Case law research

Researching legal issues in case law has been revolutionized in recent years. The early generations of online legal research systems were a significant step forward, but they still demanded a lot from their users. Their primary function was built around search and retrieval, which still left a lot of work for lawyers: formulating search queries, poring through long lists of search results to find the relevant cases, and then using a citator to confirm the current validity of the cases found.   

If you haven’t seen the new generation of research tools, they are worth a look because it’s a whole new experience:  

• Instead of constructing complex Boolean searches with connectors, you simply ask your legal question in plain English.   
• Instead of plowing through and reading a list of retrieved cases, you can now get a well-written response that answers the legal question and cites the cases the answer is built on so you can verify its accuracy.   
• Westlaw Precision goes beyond the simple search for relevance. It lets you sort and filter cases by attributes such as issue outcome, fact pattern, motion type, motion outcome, cause of action, and party type.   
• The latest technologies built into the KeyCite citation service add a new layer of analysis. You can now instantly find connections between cases that would traditionally be difficult to uncover. The new KeyCite Overruled in Part flag shows you the specific point of law in a case that has been invalidated so that other valid points of law aren’t missed.  

Read more about how the latest technology has enhanced legal research capabilities .  

Legal guidance and know-how

Lawyers have always relied on the knowledge and experience of peers for their “How do I …?” questions. Practical Law was designed to leverage its editorial team’s vast legal experience, particularly with drafting templates, checklists for legal processes, and how-to guides for specific areas of legal practice.   

AI has also enhanced the new generation of Practical Law. Ask Practical Law AI allows users to simply ask a legal question in everyday language. Practical Law will deliver a synthesized answer grounded in trusted Practical Law content with links to supporting materials. This application of generative AI and large language models eliminates much of the time lawyers need to spend sifting through, reading, and summarizing search results.  

See how one firm has leveraged the legal expertise built into Practical Law .   

Digital evidence management

Managing the discovery process is another area in which technology has had a significant impact in recent years. The recent Thomson Reuters State of the Courts 2024 report documents how technology is reshaping how lawyers and litigants engage with court systems.   

One of the report’s findings is that more than one-third (35%) of respondents now use digital evidence management systems — up from 27% in the last survey. More interestingly, nearly three-fifths (58%) of those who say they are not using a digital evidence management system think that having one would be at least somewhat beneficial for their operations.”  

With digital evidence management systems, parties have an efficient way to review and analyze evidentiary materials in preparation for any hearing or dispute. The systems also provide a well-organized digital repository of all the key materials. Parties can also submit and share evidence with the court during hearings to reduce the amount of paper and time spent thumbing through stacks of paper or audio/video evidence.  

Read how one Ohio court has reduced discovery time in traffic court cases to 48 hours, a process that typically could take up to 90 days.   

Drafting aids

Drafting legal documents is central to legal work, and an area where technology can be a big help. In particular, searching, cutting, pasting, deleting, and editing contracts is one area where artificial intelligence shows off its remarkable capabilities.  

One way that technology enhances drafting is by helping lawyers identify and integrate clauses found both inside and outside the firm’s own clause libraries. For example, Practical Law Clause Finder surfaces relevant clause language from Practical Law, from agreements filed with the SEC, and from a firm’s internal documents.   

AI-driven technology helps identify these vetted, market-standard clauses. It centers this activity in the lawyer’s regular drafting environment, eliminating the need to hop in and out of drafting tools. AI and other technologies are creating “distraction-free drafting.”   

Generative AI capabilities embedded across multiple use cases

The impact of technology, and AI specifically , on all aspects of legal work has only just begun. The same core generative AI technology can be adapted to use cases across the lawyer’s workflow.   

Thomson Reuters’ CoCounsel GenAI Assistan t already helps lawyers with everyday tasks with applications such as preparing for a deposition, drafting correspondence, searching a database, reviewing documents, summarizing a document, extracting contract data, and contract policy compliance. These tools are deployed across multiple Thomson Reuters legal products, including Westlaw Precision, Practical Law Dynamic Tool Set, Document Intelligence, and HighQ.   

CoCounsel brings both intuitiveness and power to these legal tasks. Lawyers need only ask plain-English questions or provide simple instructions, and the generative capabilities of CoCounsel return complete, authoritative answers, bypassing many of the tedious manual steps inherent in traditional legal work. The authoritativeness of those outputs is ensured when the underlying language models are operating on top of Thomson Reuters’ curated, vetted data sources.   

The core of legal work is increasingly technology-driven

Legal research, drafting, evidence management and the other key legal tasks outlined above have been around as long as there have been lawyers. There is not much new about what lawyers do, but how they do it is evolving rapidly. If you think you have mastered the tools of your trade, think again because new legal tech  to enhance your practice appear every day.   

• Artificial Intelligence
• Practical Law

Join our community

Sign up for industry-leading insights, updates, and all things AI @ Thomson Reuters.

Generative AI for legal professionals: What to know and what to do right now

AI is reshaping the legal landscape by providing invaluable support across various roles in law firms and legal departments. Rather than replacing legal professionals, gen AI enhances efficiency, accelerates tasks, and enables lawyers to focus on applying their expertise.

The benefits of being a technology trailblazer

Adopting technology early leads to better, faster, and more reliable legal research – setting a solid foundation for your legal matters.

Westlaw Precision | Harness the power of generative AI

Innovative tools deliver advanced speed and accuracy, providing you with greater confidence in your legal research

Practical Law | Quick, expert answers to your ‘how do I’ legal questions

Get up to speed faster with Practical Law’s expertly created and maintained resources combined with powerful generative AI capabilities

CoCounsel: The GenAI assistant for legal professionals

Bringing together generative AI, trusted content, and expert insights for a new era of work.

Related posts

A lawyer’s guide to legal tech: Optimizing processes and delivering a superior client experience

How AI can help you manage risks

The basics of generative AI prompts for legal departments 

More answers.

How legal workflow automation turns thousands of tasks into one

Navigating the technology conundrum: Balancing innovation and budget constraints

Fraud investigation: An overview

• Work & Careers
• Life & Arts
• Currently reading: New medical technologies are here. But when will they reach your GP?
• The changing picture of disease: living longer may not mean living healthier
• New medicine could prevent disease before it begins — but at a cost

New medical technologies are here. But when will they reach your GP?

• New medical technologies are here. But when will they reach your GP? on x (opens in a new window)
• New medical technologies are here. But when will they reach your GP? on facebook (opens in a new window)
• New medical technologies are here. But when will they reach your GP? on linkedin (opens in a new window)
• New medical technologies are here. But when will they reach your GP? on whatsapp (opens in a new window)

Clive Cookson

Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.

For Andrew Morris, being appointed president of the UK Academy of Medical Sciences this spring came “at a particularly exciting time for medical research”. In his view, “the breadth of new technologies emerging is just remarkable.”

From genomics to gene editing, stem cells to virology, immunology to neurotechnology, scientific papers are pouring out of the world’s biomedical labs more rapidly than ever. At the same time, insights are emerging from the analysis of multiple sources of health data, from clinical trials to patient records and social and environmental statistics — enhanced with the addition of artificial intelligence.

“The fusion of biology with computational science, social science and medical science means that we have a whole generation of new tools coming down the track,” says Morris, who is professor of medicine at Edinburgh university and director of Health Data Research UK . “If we get this right, it could be one of those inflection points in medicine as important as the discovery of antibiotics.”

Getting it right means, above all, maintaining the trust of everyone with a stake in the system. “Countries that can curate their data in a trustworthy way will produce models which are more accurate, more representative and more impactful in terms of patient and public benefit,” he argues.

“Other industries have done this better than healthcare. For example, I could send you £100 in two minutes because your bank and mine subscribe to Swift [the international financial transfer system]. It’s about standards, interoperability, security, ethics and governance of trustworthy data.”

Up until now, healthcare innovations have tended to back up the “law” identified by American futurist Roy Amara 50 years ago: “We tend to overestimate the effect of a technology in the short run and underestimate the effect in the long run.”

For example, for decades, the media has buzzed with news of technologies that promised to transform healthcare — such the first draft of the human genome which was met with a crescendo of excitement when it was released almost 25 years ago. However, today, most patients encounter little new technology when they see their doctor, observes David Weinkove, bioscience professor at Durham university.

The pandemic may have accelerated the adoption of a few technologies, such as RNA vaccines and Covid infection tests, “but genomics hasn’t really hit the clinic yet”, Weinkove says. “You don’t go routinely to your GP and get your genome sequenced — and then the doctor looks at the results and says: ‘This is what you’ve got.’”

Medical technologies

Genomics The study of a person’s genetic information encoded in their DNA

Gene editing Precise modification of DNA, for example to eliminate a genetic mutation causing illness

Stem cells Cells that can become many different types of cells in the body. They can be used to replace tissue affected by disease

Immunotherapy Training the body’s immune system to fight disease

Neurotechnology Electronics that interact directly with the brain and nervous system — perhaps to allow people with paralysis to speak and use computers

Weinkove also chairs the British Society for Research on Ageing , a charity embarking on a campaign to raise funds for projects “that will impact the lives of the general public.” He says: “Evidence-based research is needed to understand how people can stay healthier for longer — and then we must make that knowledge available to as many people as possible.”

“The problem with applying new technologies to medicine is that they have to be relatively cheap to run and they’ve got to be understandable by medics,” Weinkove explains. “One reason why we don’t use genome sequencing is that we don’t know enough about gene function to know what [a particular] sequence actually means for a patient and their treatment.”

He says high blood pressure is the best example of “something that you can actually measure easily and treat with drugs that work in a way that we understand. We know that long-term high blood pressure is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We need more things [like this] that are measurable, treatable and understandable.”

Neurotechnology is a futuristic field that illustrates Amara’s law in action. Clinical trials of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that can restore some mobility to paralysed patients began in the early 2000s. These devices, implanted under the skulls of several disabled patients, decipher enough neural activity to restore some movement to paralysed limbs, control a simple robot or computer keyboard, or give a synthetic voice to someone who cannot speak.

Back in 2012, researchers at Brown University in the US enabled two tetraplegic patients, Cathy and Bob, to manipulate objects with a robotic arm by thinking about the movements required. A video of Cathy smiling as she managed to lift a drink to her lips for the first time in 15 years won hearts around the world.

Since then, medical BCIs have developed further in several university and company labs, including Elon Musk’s Neuralink . But researchers have deliberately progressed slowly — monitoring the effect of brain implants intensively on small numbers of volunteers. Anyone who expected cyborgs to emerge rapidly from their early success will have been disappointed.

Leigh Hochberg, one of the original BCI pioneers at Brown, and still closely involved in the field as director of the Center for Neurotechnology at Massachusetts General Hospital , estimates that, since clinical research started, only 50 or so volunteers worldwide have received a long-term BCI implant.

“One of the advantages of this technology is that we learn a tremendous amount from each trial participant,” says Hochberg. “Ten years ago, when asked when these devices would be [widely] available, my answer was that it would take decades. The field is still in its early days but, now, I think it’s only a few years before the first of these devices will become available to people who will benefit, after a successful clinical trial.”

Promoted Content

Explore the series.

Follow the topics in this article

• Wearable technology Add to myFT
• Pharmaceuticals sector Add to myFT
• Digital health Add to myFT
• Healthcare Add to myFT
• Scientific research Add to myFT

International Edition

• Alzheimer's disease & dementia
• Arthritis & Rheumatism
• Attention deficit disorders
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Biomedical technology
• Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes
• Endocrinology & Metabolism
• Gastroenterology
• Gerontology & Geriatrics
• Health informatics
• Inflammatory disorders
• Medical economics
• Medical research
• Medications
• Neuroscience
• Obstetrics & gynaecology
• Oncology & Cancer
• Ophthalmology
• Overweight & Obesity
• Parkinson's & Movement disorders
• Psychology & Psychiatry
• Radiology & Imaging
• Sleep disorders
• Sports medicine & Kinesiology
• Vaccination
• Breast cancer
• Cardiovascular disease
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Colon cancer
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart attack
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• Lung cancer
• Multiple sclerosis
• Myocardial infarction
• Ovarian cancer
• Post traumatic stress disorder
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Schizophrenia
• Skin cancer
• Type 2 diabetes
• Full List »

share this!

May 14, 2024

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

fact-checked

peer-reviewed publication

trusted source

New research challenges widespread beliefs about why we're attracted to certain voices

by McMaster University

New insights into how people perceive the human voice are challenging beliefs about which voices we find attractive.

Previous studies have linked vocal averageness and attractiveness, finding that the more average a voice sounds, the higher it is rated in attractiveness.

However, McMaster researchers have found that average voice characteristics are not inherently appealing, and it may be beneficial to stick out from the crowd.

"Contrary to past studies, we discovered that averageness is not always more attractive. Pitch is a critical factor in attraction judgements, an insight that highlights the complexity of the way we perceive the human voice ," explained study lead Jessica Ostrega, who recently earned her Ph.D. in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behavior.

"Understanding this allows us to look at how specific features of a person's voice affect the way we form impressions of others and interact with them."

The findings are outlined in a study published this month in the journal Scientific Reports . Researchers used advanced voice morphing technology to blend multiple voices together to create average-sounding voices to use in their experiments. They asked participants to rate the attractiveness of those voices.

Vocal attractiveness refers to how beautiful or handsome a voice makes someone sound to a listener. The term goes beyond simple appeal to encompass characteristics that might influence romantic or sexual interest.

"This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of human communication and attraction," said David Feinberg, associate professor in the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behavior, who oversaw the research, adding that the implications of the study extend beyond the academic realm into practical applications.

"Understanding the nuances of voice perception can influence practices in industries such as marketing, media, and even technology design, where voice interfaces are becoming increasingly common."

Explore further

Feedback to editors

Tech alone can't replace human coaches in obesity treatment, study finds

2 hours ago

Research links sleep apnea severity during REM stage to verbal memory decline

3 hours ago

Far from toxic, lactate rivals glucose as body's major fuel after a carbohydrate meal

5 hours ago

Study explores role of epigenetics, environment in differing Alzheimer's risk between Black and white communities

New gene therapy model offers hope for X-linked sideroblastic anemia treatment

New tool allows for gene suppression in mouse heart muscle cells using CRISPRi

6 hours ago

First study to globally map heat-wave-related mortality finds 153,000+ deaths associated with heat waves

Body-wide molecular map explains why exercise is so good for you

Adiposity in childhood affects the risk of breast cancer by changing breast tissue composition, study suggests

7 hours ago

Study uncovers protein interactions as a potential path for ALS cure

Related stories.

Higher voice pitch makes female faces appear younger

Jul 20, 2022

The magic of voices: Why we like some singers' voices and not others

Apr 25, 2024

Do you dislike your voice? You're not alone

Jul 13, 2023

Study reveals first genetic locus for voice pitch

Jun 9, 2023

DeFake tool protects voice recordings from cybercriminals

Apr 22, 2024

Low voice pitch increases standing among strangers, cross-cultural study finds

Feb 8, 2024

Recommended for you

A minimal cognitive architecture reproduces control of human decision-making processes

14 hours ago

Dreaming is linked to improved memory consolidation and emotion regulation

10 hours ago

People without an inner voice have poorer verbal memory, finds study

Evidence of a travel direction signal that is independent from head direction in humans

May 13, 2024

What makes a memory? It may be related to how hard your brain had to work

Psilocybin may reverse anorexia's cognitive rigidity

Let us know if there is a problem with our content.

Use this form if you have come across a typo, inaccuracy or would like to send an edit request for the content on this page. For general inquiries, please use our contact form . For general feedback, use the public comments section below (please adhere to guidelines ).

Please select the most appropriate category to facilitate processing of your request

Thank you for taking time to provide your feedback to the editors.

Your feedback is important to us. However, we do not guarantee individual replies due to the high volume of messages.

E-mail the story

Your email address is used only to let the recipient know who sent the email. Neither your address nor the recipient's address will be used for any other purpose. The information you enter will appear in your e-mail message and is not retained by Medical Xpress in any form.

Newsletter sign up

Get weekly and/or daily updates delivered to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details to third parties.

More information Privacy policy

Donate and enjoy an ad-free experience

We keep our content available to everyone. Consider supporting Science X's mission by getting a premium account.

E-mail newsletter

Health Law Research Guide: Medical Malpractice

• Suggested Topics in Health Law

Online Resources

• Westlaw and Lexis
• Legislative Histories
• Major Health Laws & Regulations
• U.S. Code, Regulations, and Court Rules
• Pending Legislation
• Legislative Reports
• New York State Department of Health Guidance Memoranda/Documents
• Journals/Newsletters/Blogs
• International Declarations
• Conventions
• Resources on International Health Law
• International Policy Briefs and Reports
• Online Books and Reports
• Open Access International Journals & Newsletters
• Legislative Information and Reports
• State Health Data
• Uniform Laws

Books Online

• Dictionaries and Glossaries
• General Reference Sources
• Indexes and Search Engines
• Pace University Databases
• PubMed and Medline
• Research Guides
• Bar Associations
• Federal Agencies
• International Agencies and Organizations
• Medical Associations
• National Agencies and Organizations
• New York State Agencies and Organizations
• Professional Associations
• State Agencies
• Print Resources
• Current Awareness

Laws and Regulations

• State Medical Liability/ Malpractice Laws National Conference of State Legislatures (updated March 2010)
• Putman v. Wenatchee Valley Med. Ctr. Supreme Court of the State of Washington, September 17, 2009 more... less... The court unanimously threw out a 2006 law that requires an injured patient to get a certificate of merit from an expert before suing for medical malpractice.
• Lebron v. Gottlieb Supreme Court of Illinois, February 4, 2010 more... less... overturned the state’s five-year-old medical malpractice law because it limited compensation to injured patients for pain, suffering and other non-economic harms
• Issue Spotlight: Medical Malpractice KaiserNetwork.org
• Litigation / Medical Malpractice News Medical News Today
• New York Medical Malpractice Law Blog

Reports and Articles

• Administrative Compensation for Medical Malpractice Injuries: Reconciling the Brave New World of Patient Safety and the Torts System Edward P. Richards and Thomas R. McLean (2005) more... less... 49 St. Louis University Law Journal 73 (2005). "The medical malpractice tort system is a failure ....
• Analyzing a Medical Malpractice Case LSU Law Center
• Does Being a Repeat Player Make a Difference? The Impact of Attorney Experience and Case Picking on the Outcome of Medical Malpractice Lawsuits 8 Yale J. Health Pol’y L. & Ethics 253 (2008)
• Does Sorry Work? The Impact of Apology Laws on Medical Malpractice Benjamin Ho and Elaine Liu, Cornell Univerisity, Johnson School of Management Research Paper Series No. 04-2011, October 1, 2010
• The Effects of Tort Reform: Evidence from the States Congressional Budget Office, June 2004
• Estimating The Effect Of Damages Caps In Medical Malpractice Cases David A. Hyman et al., Journal of Legal Analysis 2009
• Expert Witnesses on Trial Alicia Gallegos, Amednews.com, Aug. 1, 2011
• Liability by Locality: Practical Standard or Outdated Notion? American Medical News, Jan. 18, 2010
• Limiting Tort Liability for Medical Malpractice Congressional Budget Office, January 2004
• Litigation Impact of Never Events Charles Brown , Nicole Mitchell and Krystal Scott, 12 Health Lawyer News 26 (feb. 2008)
• Litigation Screening Panels on Trial: Are They Working? American Medical News, Aug. 3, 2009
• Malpractice Crisis and Reform Randall R. Bovbjerg (2005) more... less... 32 Clinics in Perinatology 203 (2005).
• Medical Malpractice New York Times (1981 to date)
• Medical Malpractice Awards, Insurance, and Negligence: Which Are Related? Alexander Tabarrok and Amanda Agan, May 2006 more... less... Manhattan Institute for Policy Research. Center for Legal Policy
• Medical Malpractice Caps The Impact of Non-Economic Damage Caps on Physician Premiums, Claims Payout Levels, and Availability of Coverage Martin D. Weiss, Melissa Gannon, and Stephanie Eakins (2003)
• Medical Malpractice Law in the United States Peter P. Budetti and Teresa M. Waters (May 2005)
• Medical Malpractice Litigation Ashcraft & Gerel, LLP
• The Medical Malpractice Myth Tom Baker (2005)
• Medical Malpractice Trials and Verdicts in Large Counties Bureau of Justice Statistics (2004)
• Medical Malpractice: Implications of Rising Premiums on Access to Health Care General Accounting Office, 2003
• Medical Malpractice: Recent Developments Insurance Information Institute
• The Pain of Wrong Site Surgery Sandra G. Boodman, The Washington Post, June 20, 2011
• The Patient Injury Epidemic: Medical Malpractice Litigation as a Curative Tool Barry R. Furrow, 41 Drexel Law Review (2011)
• Summary of United States Medical Malpractice Law McCullough, Campbell & Lane (1991, rev. ed. 1998); the dates of the latest changes are be shown at the bottom of each state's page. more... less... For each state and the District of Columbia, it contains entries on the subject areas of medical malpractice, including statute of limitations, damage caps, and local laws of joint and several liability. Readers may sign up for email notification of revisions and to participate in a forum for comments and discussion.
• Toward a Theory of Medical Malpractice Alex Stein, 97 Iowa Law Review (2012)

New Titles at Pace Law Library

• Cross-Examining Doctors: A Practical Guide, 2d ed. by Alan T. Radnor Call Number: KF8964 .R33 2010 ISBN: 0831899913
• Litigators on Experts: Strategies for Managing Expert Witnesses from Retention through Trial by Wendy Gerwick Couture and Allyson W. Haynes, eds. Call Number: KF8961 .L58 2010 ISBN: 1604429291
• To Err Is Human: Building a Safer Health System Linda T. Kohn, Janet M. Corrigan, and Molla S. Donaldson, eds. (2000)
• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (DHHS)
• Birth Trauma Info more... less... A website created by a birth trauma litigator, provides information about obstetric and neonatal factors that may contribute to cerebral palsy, to other neurological and intellectual impairments, or to death, as well as some medical terminology.
• FDA Medical Device Database: Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience
• Medical Malpractice 'Lectric Law Library
• Medical Malpractice FindLaw
• National Practitioner Data Bank-Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank
• Last Updated: Apr 1, 2024 11:37 AM
• URL: https://libraryguides.law.pace.edu/healthlaw

Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

Read our research on:

Full Topic List

Regions & Countries

• Publications
• Our Methods
• Short Reads
• Tools & Resources

Read Our Research On:

Broad Public Support for Legal Abortion Persists 2 Years After Dobbs

By more than 2 to 1, americans say medication abortion should be legal, table of contents.

• Other abortion attitudes
• Overall attitudes about abortion
• Americans’ views on medication abortion in their states
• How statements about abortion resonate with Americans
• Acknowledgments
• The American Trends Panel survey methodology

Pew Research Center conducted this study to understand Americans’ views on the legality of abortion, as well as their perceptions of abortion access. For this analysis, we surveyed 8,709 adults from April 8 to 14, 2024. Everyone who took part in this survey is a member of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses. This way nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other categories. Read more about the ATP’s methodology .

Here are the questions used for the report and its methodology .

Nearly two years after the Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision guaranteeing a national right to abortion, a majority of Americans continue to express support for abortion access.

About six-in-ten (63%) say abortion should be legal in all or most cases. This share has grown 4 percentage points since 2021 – the year prior to the 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that overturned Roe.

The new Pew Research Center survey, conducted April 8-14, 2024, among 8,709 adults, surfaces ongoing – and often partisan – divides over abortion attitudes:

• Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents (85%) overwhelmingly say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, with near unanimous support among liberal Democrats.
• By comparison, Republicans and Republican leaners (41%) are far less likely to say abortion should be legal in all or most cases. However, two-thirds of moderate and liberal Republicans still say it should be.

Since before Roe was overturned, both parties have seen a modest uptick in the share who say abortion should be legal.

As in the past, relatively few Americans (25%) say abortion should be legal in all cases, while even fewer (8%) say it should be illegal in all cases. About two-thirds of Americans do not take an absolutist view: 38% say it should be legal in most cases, and 28% say it should be illegal in most cases.

Related: Americans overwhelmingly say access to IVF is a good thing

Women’s abortion decisions

A narrow majority of Americans (54%) say the statement “the decision about whether to have an abortion should belong solely to the pregnant woman” describes their views extremely or very well. Another 19% say it describes their views somewhat well, and 26% say it does not describe their views well.

Views on an embryo’s rights

About a third of Americans (35%) say the statement “human life begins at conception, so an embryo is a person with rights” describes their views extremely or very well, while 45% say it does not describe their views well.

But many Americans are cross-pressured in their views: 32% of Americans say both statements about women’s decisions and embryos’ rights describe their views at least somewhat well.

Abortion access

About six-in-ten Americans in both parties say getting an abortion in the area where they live would be at least somewhat easy, compared with four-in-ten or fewer who say it would be difficult.

However, U.S. adults are divided over whether getting an abortion should be easier or harder:

• 31% say it should be easier for someone to get an abortion in their area, while 25% say it should be harder. Four-in-ten say the ease of access should be about what it is now.
• 48% of Democrats say that obtaining an abortion should be easier than it is now, while just 15% of Republicans say this. Instead, 40% of Republicans say it should be harder (just 11% of Democrats say this).

As was the case last year, views about abortion access vary widely between those who live in states where abortion is legal and those who live in states where it is not allowed.

For instance, 20% of adults in states where abortion is legal say it would be difficult to get an abortion where they live, but this share rises to 71% among adults in states where abortion is prohibited.

Medication abortion

Americans say medication abortion should be legal rather than illegal by a margin of more than two-to-one (54% vs. 20%). A quarter say they are not sure.

Like opinions on the legality of abortion overall, partisans differ greatly in their views of medication abortion:

• Republicans are closely split but are slightly more likely to say it should be legal (37%) than illegal (32%). Another 30% aren’t sure.
• Democrats (73%) overwhelmingly say medication abortion should be legal. Just 8% say it should be illegal, while 19% are not sure.

Across most other demographic groups, Americans are generally more supportive than not of medication abortion.

Across demographic groups, support for abortion access has changed little since this time last year.

Today, roughly six-in-ten (63%) say abortion should be legal in all (25%) or most (38%) cases. And 36% say it should be illegal in all (8%) or most (28%) cases.

While differences are only modest by gender, other groups vary more widely in their views.

Race and ethnicity

Support for legal abortion is higher among Black (73%) and Asian (76%) adults compared with White (60%) and Hispanic (59%) adults.

Compared with older Americans, adults under 30 are particularly likely to say abortion should be legal: 76% say this, versus about six-in-ten among other age groups.

Those with higher levels of formal education express greater support for legal abortion than those with lower levels of educational attainment.

About two-thirds of Americans with a bachelor’s degree or more education (68%) say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, compared with six-in-ten among those without a degree.

White evangelical Protestants are about three times as likely to say abortion should be illegal (73%) as they are to say it should be legal (25%).

By contrast, majorities of White nonevangelical Protestants (64%), Black Protestants (71%) and Catholics (59%) say abortion should be legal. And religiously unaffiliated Americans are especially likely to say abortion should be legal (86% say this).

Partisanship and ideology

Democrats (85%) are about twice as likely as Republicans (41%) to say abortion should be legal in all or most cases.

But while more conservative Republicans say abortion should be illegal (76%) than legal (27%), the reverse is true for moderate and liberal Republicans (67% say legal, 31% say illegal).

By comparison, a clear majority of conservative and moderate Democrats (76%) say abortion should be legal, with liberal Democrats (96%) overwhelmingly saying this.

Views of abortion access by state

About six-in-ten Americans (58%) say it would be easy for someone to get an abortion in the area where they live, while 39% say it would be difficult.

This marks a slight shift since last year, when 54% said obtaining an abortion would be easy. But Americans are still less likely than before the Dobbs decision to say obtaining an abortion would be easy.

Still, Americans’ views vary widely depending on whether they live in a state that has banned or restricted abortion.

In states that prohibit abortion, Americans are about three times as likely to say it would be difficult to obtain an abortion where they live as they are to say it would be easy (71% vs. 25%). The share saying it would be difficult has risen 19 points since 2019.

In states where abortion is restricted or subject to legal challenges, 51% say it would be difficult to get an abortion where they live. This is similar to the share who said so last year (55%), but higher than the share who said this before the Dobbs decision (38%).

By comparison, just 20% of adults in states where abortion is legal say it would be difficult to get one. This is little changed over the past five years.

Americans’ attitudes about whether it should be easier or harder to get an abortion in the area where they live also varies by geography.

Overall, a decreasing share of Americans say it should be harder to obtain an abortion: 33% said this in 2019, compared with 25% today.

This is particularly true of those in states where abortion is now prohibited or restricted.

In both types of states, the shares of Americans saying it should be easier to obtain an abortion have risen 12 points since before Roe was overturned, as the shares saying it should be harder have gradually declined.

By comparison, changes in views among those living in states where abortion is legal have been more modest.

While Americans overall are more supportive than not of medication abortion (54% say it should be legal, 20% say illegal), there are modest differences in support across groups:

• Younger Americans are somewhat more likely to say medication abortion should be legal than older Americans. While 59% of adults ages 18 to 49 say it should be legal, 48% of those 50 and older say the same.
• Asian adults (66%) are particularly likely to say medication abortion should be legal compared with White (55%), Black (51%) and Hispanic (47%) adults.
• White evangelical Protestants oppose medication abortion by about two-to-one (45% vs. 23%), with White nonevangelicals, Black Protestants, Catholics and religiously unaffiliated adults all being more likely than not to say medication abortion should be legal.
• Republicans are closely divided over medication abortion: 37% say it should be legal while 32% say it should be illegal. But similar to views on abortion access overall, conservative Republicans are more opposed (43% illegal, 27% legal), while moderate and liberals are more supportive (55% legal, 14% illegal).

Just over half of Americans (54%) say “the decision about whether to have an abortion should belong solely to the pregnant woman” describes their views extremely or very well, compared with 19% who say somewhat well and 26% who say not too or not at all well.

Democrats (76%) overwhelmingly say this statement describes their views extremely or very well, with just 8% saying it does not describe their views well.

Republicans are more divided: 44% say it does not describe their views well while 33% say it describes them extremely or very well. Another 22% say it describes them somewhat well.

Fewer Americans (35%) say the statement “human life begins at conception, so an embryo is a person with rights” describes their views extremely or very well. Another 19% say it describes their views somewhat well while 45% say it describes them not too or not at all well.

(The survey asks separately whether “a fetus is a person with rights.” The results are roughly similar: 37% say that statement describes their views extremely or very well.)

Republicans are about three times as likely as Democrats to say “an embryo is a person with rights” describes their views extremely or very well (53% vs. 18%). In turn, Democrats (66%) are far more likely than Republicans (25%) to say it describes their views not too or not at all well.

Some Americans are cross-pressured about abortion

When results on the two statements are combined, 41% of Americans say the statement about a pregnant woman’s right to choose describes their views at least somewhat well , but not the statement about an embryo being a person with rights. About two-in-ten (21%) say the reverse.

But for nearly a third of U.S. adults (32%), both statements describe their views at least somewhat well.

Just 4% of Americans say neither statement describes their views well.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter

Fresh data delivery Saturday mornings

Sign up for The Briefing

Weekly updates on the world of news & information

• Partisanship & Issues

Public Opinion on Abortion

Americans overwhelmingly say access to ivf is a good thing, what the data says about abortion in the u.s., support for legal abortion is widespread in many countries, especially in europe, nearly a year after roe’s demise, americans’ views of abortion access increasingly vary by where they live, most popular, report materials.

1615 L St. NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20036 USA (+1) 202-419-4300 | Main (+1) 202-857-8562 | Fax (+1) 202-419-4372 |  Media Inquiries

Research Topics

• Age & Generations
• Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Economy & Work
• Family & Relationships
• Gender & LGBTQ
• Immigration & Migration
• International Affairs
• Internet & Technology
• Methodological Research
• News Habits & Media
• Non-U.S. Governments
• Other Topics
• Politics & Policy
• Race & Ethnicity
• Email Newsletters

ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER  Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of  The Pew Charitable Trusts .

Copyright 2024 Pew Research Center

Trainees gain experience, garner awards at 2024 Research Symposia

Seventy-four trainee researchers shared findings from their most promising scientific and clinical investigations at SIU School of Medicine’s 34th Annual Trainee Research Symposium April 16 and 19, 2024. The two-day symposium offered trainees from across the SOM system an opportunity to gain experience in making formal presentations of their research and clinical discoveries. Faculty mentors provided assistance for the projects. Presenting trainees included 18 graduate students, 42 medical students, and 14 residents and fellows. “The symposia illustrate the innovation and dedication of our graduate students, medical students, residents, fellows and our faculty at the School of Medicine,” said Don Torry, PhD, professor and associate dean for research. “Two full days of presentations reflect the amazing breadth and depth of scholarly pursuits being done in Springfield and Carbondale.” The trainees’ advances challenge current thinking about disease understanding, detection, treatment and prevention. “It highlights our commitment to “Championing Medicine through Research,” Torry said.  The mission of SIU School of Medicine is to optimize the health and health care for the people of central and southern Illinois. The prizewinning studies were:

Medical Students

FULL ORAL PRESENTATIONS

LIGHTNING ROUND ORAL PRESENTATIONS

Residents/Fellows

Graduate Students

ORAL PRESENTATIONS

More from SIU News

Mastering mental health on the farm, memorial care to transition north dirksen urgent care clinic to siu medicine, medical school honors sangamon county student artists.

Potential power and pitfalls of harnessing artificial intelligence for sleep medicine

Ai has potential uses in the sleep field for clinical applications, lifestyle management, and population health.

In a new research commentary, the Artificial Intelligence in Sleep Medicine Committee of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine highlights how artificial intelligence stands on the threshold of making monumental contributions to the field of sleep medicine. Through a strategic analysis, the committee examined advancements in AI within sleep medicine and spotlighted its potential in revolutionizing care in three critical areas: clinical applications, lifestyle management, and population health. The committee also reviewed barriers and challenges associated with using AI-enabled technologies.

"AI is disrupting all areas of medicine, and the future of sleep medicine is poised at a transformational crossroad," said lead author Dr. Anuja Bandyopadhyay, chair of the Artificial Intelligence in Sleep Medicine Committee. "This commentary outlines the powerful potential and challenges for sleep medicine physicians to be aware of as they begin leveraging AI to deliver precise, personalized patient care and enhance preventive health strategies on a larger scale while ensuring its ethical deployment."

According to the authors, AI has potential uses in the sleep field in three key areas:

• Clinical Applications :In the clinical realm, AI-driven technologies offer comprehensive data analysis, nuanced pattern recognition and automation in diagnosis, all while addressing chronic problems like sleep-related breathing disorders. Despite understated beginnings, the utilization of AI can offer improvements in efficiency and patient access, which can contribute to a reduction in burnout among health care professionals.
• Lifestyle Management :Incorporating AI also offers clear benefits for lifestyle management through the use of consumer sleep technology. These devices come in various forms like fitness wristbands, smartphone apps, and smart rings, and they contribute to better sleep health through tracking, assessment and enhancement. Wearable sleep technology and data-driven lifestyle recommendations can empower patients to take an active role in managing their health, as shown in a recent AASM survey, which reported that 68% of adults who have used a sleep tracker said they have changed their behavior based on what they have learned. But, as these AI-driven applications grow ever more intuitive, the importance of ongoing dialogue between patients and clinicians about the potential and limitations of these innovations remains vital.
• Population Health : Beyond individual care, AI technology reveals a new approach to public health regarding sleep. "AI has the exciting potential to synthesize environmental, behavioral and physiological data, contributing to informed population-level interventions and bridging existing health care gaps," noted Bandyopadhyay.

The paper also offers warnings about the integration of AI into sleep medicine. Issues of data privacy, security, accuracy, and the potential for reinforcing existing biases present new challenges for health care professionals. Additionally, reliance on AI without sufficient clinical judgment could lead to complexities in patient treatment.

"While AI can significantly strengthen the evaluation and management of sleep disorders, it is intended to complement, not replace, the expertise of a sleep medicine professional," Bandyopadhyay stated.

Navigating this emerging landscape requires comprehensive validation and standardization protocols to responsibly and ethically implement AI technologies in health care. It's critical that AI tools are validated against varied datasets to ensure their reliability and accuracy in all patient populations.

"Our commentary provides not just a vision, but a roadmap for leveraging the technology to promote better sleep health outcomes," Bandyopadhyay said. "It lays the foundation for future discussions on the ethical deployment of AI, the importance of clinician education, and the harmonization of this new technology with existing practices to optimize patient care."

• Sleep Disorders
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Mental Health
• Information Technology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Circadian rhythm sleep disorder
• Sleep deprivation
• Sleep disorder
• Night terror
• Delayed sleep phase syndrome
• Rapid eye movement
• Narcolepsy (sleep disorder)

Story Source:

Materials provided by American Academy of Sleep Medicine . Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference :

• Anuja Bandyopadhyay, Margarita Oks, Haoqi Sun, Bharati Prasad, Sam Rusk, Felicia Jefferson, Roneil Gopal Malkani, Shahab Haghayegh, Ramesh Sachdeva, Dennis Hwang, Jon Agustsson, Emmanuel Mignot, Michael Summers, Daniel Fabbri, Maryann Deak, Matthew Anastasi, Andrew Sampson, Steve Van Hout, Azizi Seixas. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of using AI-enabled technology in sleep medicine: a commentary . Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine , 2024; DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.11132

Cite This Page :

Explore More

• Nature's 3D Printer: Bristle Worms
• Giant ' Cotton Candy' Planet
• A Young Whale's Journey
• No Inner Voice Linked to Poorer Verbal Memory
• Bird Flu A(H5N1) Transmitted from Cow to Human
• Universe's Oldest Stars in Our Galactic Backyard
• Polygenic Embryo Screening for IVF: Opinions
• VR With Cinematoghraphics More Engaging
• 2023 Was the Hottest Summer in 2000 Years
• Fastest Rate of CO2 Rise Over Last 50,000 Years

Trending Topics

Strange & offbeat.