Mad House Madman offers some tips after being sued. “For one, when things with the family appear strained, or tense, make a strong effort to document everything. Everything that they say and all of your responses. This does, however, become difficult because it will eat up a lot of your time.

Two, when the situation is heading in the wrong direction make a strong effort to document everything. Today, the impression is that an unfavorable outcome is automatically the physician’s fault.

Three, get the family involved early. In fact, a good question to a patient when admitting them is if you can discuss the situation with the family. I suggest calling the family on admission so that they understand what is really happening. Try not to commit any HIPAA violations in the process.”