This presentation will examine the role of standards, oversight, and accountability—and how they intersect with litigation risk in correctional health care. Participants will explore how sound clinical practices and effective risk management can reduce exposure to lawsuits, while recognizing that litigation is sometimes unavoidable despite best efforts. The second half of the presentation will address strategic decision-making in litigation, including key considerations for determining when a case may be more appropriately tried rather than resolved through settlement.

Educational Objectives

• Discuss how standards, oversight, and accountability can reduce litigation risk
• Identify the clinical processes most frequently subject to legal scrutiny
• Analyze factors that influence decisions to take cases to trial versus resolve them through settlement