Correctional medicine can be a litigious environment. As the first line of defense, medical records are of vital importance in shielding providers and staff from exposure to false or misleading claims. This presentation will explore how medical records can be used or misused in three stages of litigation. By illuminating the significance of a note's substance, including documentation of personal observations and patient statements, attendees will learn tools to reduce chances of a lawsuit and increase the odds of a positive legal outcome.

Educational Objectives

• Differentiate the use of medical records in preliminary injunction, depositions, and dispositive motions
• Recognize common legal pitfalls of generic or vague documentation
• Identify tools to effectively document encounters beyond the medical aspect

Level: Intermediate