Richman quoted in Healthcare Risk Management

David Richman commented on the future of obstetrical malpractice claims related to the Zika virus. Specifically, he noted:

“We may see cases coming out of patients with Zika, most likely related to the diagnosis and what advice is given to the parents in regards to potential termination of the pregnancy. There are a lot of issues with false negative and false positive results and the histories being taken of patients. I think the risk management community needs to be aware of this cutting-edge issue and take steps to communicate with the clinical staff.”

David also cautioned that healthcare providers must be especially mindful of the obstetrical patient who has had little to no prenatal care, who at the time of childbirth becomes the physician’s responsibility. He recommends supporting community intervention programs to educate these patients about the importance and availability of prenatal care.