Legal implications of antibiotic stewardship programs. (13th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maliha, George; Nepps, Mary Ellen; Tamma, Pranita D; Dodds Ashley, Elizabeth; Szymczak, Julia E; Kolesar, Emma; Hamilton, Keith W
• Is Part Of: Infection control and hospital epidemiology. Volume 41:Number 7(2020)
• Page Start: 757
• Page End: 764
• Publication Date: 2020-07-13
• Subjects: Nosocomial infections -- Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Health facilities -- Sanitation -- Periodicals; Hospital buildings -- Sanitation -- Periodicals; Cross Infection -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Hospitals -- Periodicals; Infection Control -- Periodicals; 614.44
• DOI: 10.1017/ice.2020.89
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0899-823X

Abstract

Abstract: Infectious diseases professional societies, public health agencies, and healthcare regulatory agencies call for antibiotic stewardship programs (ASP) in many healthcare settings. However, medical legal implications of these programs remain largely uncharted territory. Although there is no legal precedent addressing issues of liability and standards of care on this subject, anticipating how the courts may assess questions of medical liability with respect to the various components of ASPs is important to define best practices in ASP operations, not only to manage the potential risk but also to improve patient care. This article seeks to address some of the common processes and interventions involved in antibiotic stewardship and the potential professional liability implications of these activities.