An Essential Element in Medical Malpractice Lawsuits
by Mark D. Lerner, Ph.D.
Clinical & Forensic Psychologist
Chairman, The National Center for Emotional Wellness
Psychological Fitness to Practice Evaluation is an invaluable tool in medical malpractice cases, providing clinical and empirical evidence regarding the emotional well-being and functioning of the defendant. These evaluations are essential in determining whether psychological conditions or impairments might have affected the professionals' ability to provide safe and efficient care.
By integrating forensic psychological evaluations, attorneys representing plaintiffs or defendants can harness a powerful tool to construct persuasive legal arguments. These evaluations include a clinical interview and the administration of empirically based objective psychometric testing.
A comprehensive fitness-to-practice assessment is essential for identifying various conditions that can affect the ability to provide quality patient care. These conditions may include anxiety, depression, traumatic stress, or substance abuse. Effectively addressing and managing these issues is imperative to upholding high quality and safety standards in healthcare.
Assessments evaluate mental health and psychological fitness to practice and provide proactive treatment or intervention recommendations. This approach is crucial in preventing future instances of malpractice. By addressing underlying concerns, healthcare professionals can enhance their practice and significantly reduce the likelihood of similar incidents occurring in the future.
I have extensive experience conducting fitness-to-practice evaluations with various healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, physical therapists, and mental health professionals. Each evaluation is meticulously tailored to meet the unique needs of the client, employer, or attorney involved in the case.