OVERVIEW

Ten Reasons Not to Worry (Too Much) About Malpractice Claims Course is organized by Professional Development Resources (PDR), Inc.

Accreditation:
CE Credit: 1 Hour

Course Description:
Ten Reasons Not to Worry (Too Much) About Malpractice Claims is a 1-hour online continuing education (CE) course that will enable therapists to become clear about the legal definition of malpractice and what it means for them. Using the data available and the opinions of experts – researchers, clinicians, and especially plaintiffs’ attorneys – the author presents ten reasons why the risk of a malpractice claim and its consequences are really not very high. Interspersed throughout are ethical points and risk management tips that enable therapists to adhere to very high standards of care, which add up to the best defense against malpractice worries.

This course also addresses some cognitive sets that can cause unwarranted worry and attempts to offer more realistic perceptions on the motivations of clients who sue and those who tend to be litigious. Although suits are improbable, they can happen and are exceptionally distressing and disrupting to professionals. The final section summarizes ways therapists can employ the best ethical practices to prevent lawsuits and use therapeutic skills to manage them when they happen.

Learning Objectives:
• List ways therapists can improve client satisfaction and avoid the four bases for a malpractice suit
• List ten reasons why the risk of a malpractice claim is actually not very high
• Name three ethical points therapists can practice in order to increase positive client outcomes
• Identify cognitive sets that can cause unwarranted worry
• Detail therapeutic skills therapists can use in the event of a lawsuit