Digital Dictation: Make the Leap
When we went digital in July 2004, we quickly shook off the limitations of analog tapes. We still dictate into hand-held recorders, but now instead of being captured on a tape, the dictation goes directly into an audio file in the computer. Each piece of dictation has its own audio file. When the dictation is completed, a single click sends it to a transcriber. Because each audio file is separate, it's easy to flag items with a high priority, so that typists can move them ahead in the queue.
Next-Generation CRM: Achieving the True 360-Degree Client View
As law firms grow in technological sophistication, the issue is no longer whether a firm is using a CRM system, but rather how they are generating greater ROI. Integrating with other key systems that allow users to take advantage of valuable content residing elsewhere in the firm is an important piece of this equation. How will next-generation CRM deliver a true 360-degree view of the marketplace and what features will help generate the most value from its content?
Features
Insolvent Malpractice Insurers Leave Everyone Holding the Bag
Whether you represent the patient or physician in a medical malpractice case, there are always significant repercussions when the physician's malpractice carrier becomes insolvent. Naturally, plaintiffs in such cases are concerned as to whether and how a judgment will be paid. Physicians are just as concerned that they may be personally responsible for some portion of a judgment. With a growing number of medical malpractice insurance carriers facing difficult financial times nationwide, parties are experiencing those concerns with increasing frequency.
Neurologists Revamp Testimony Guidelines
Neurologists who testify in court are coming under tighter scrutiny by medical authorities seeking to weed out unqualified witnesses from the courtroom. In a move that has irked plaintiffs' attorneys, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) recently revamped its 16-year-old guidelines regarding expert witness testimony by neurologists. The new guidelines were formally adopted earlier this year, and went into effect Jan. 10.
Features
Med Mal News
The latest news of interest to you and your practice.
Causes of Action for Loss of Cryopreserved Embryos
In last month's issue, we discussed how suits seeking damages for the wrongful deaths of cryopreserved pre-embryos are, at present, generally doomed to failure. Unless state legislatures change the definitions of the word "person" in their wrongful death statutes, courts in the several states are going to remain reluctant to extend the availability of wrongful death recovery to what are, arguably, merely potential "persons." The outcome on this issue in our illustrative case, <i>Jeter v. Mayo Clinic Arizona</i>, proved no exception to the rule. However, the Jeters -- who had had their cryopreserved pre-embryos apparently lost by the clinic charged with preserving them -- did prevail in their fight to reinstate their suit on several other grounds. Although based on application of Arizona law, the Jeters' successful arguments on appeal could be used, with some tweaking, in other jurisdictions when reproductive assistance caregivers are accused of failing to act with proper care.
The Double Blind Placebo Controlled Trial
The blind allegiance to what I call the "fool's gold standard" lives on. Anyone with even a passing interest in bioethics knows it is unethical to conduct a double blind placebo controlled trial where standard therapy exists, except under limited circumstances. The exceptions are where: 1) there is no risk of harm if the patient forgoes treatment during the placebo phase such as in a trial for a drug that seeks to cure hair loss or impotence; 2) the standard therapy carries such severe side effects that patients might choose to avoid it; or 3) the standard therapy is otherwise of questionable efficacy. Still, sponsors and researches continue to design and conduct such trials, providing the familiar excuse: "The FDA made us do it."
Features
In The Courts
Rulings of interest to you and your practice.
Need Help?
- Prefer an IP authenticated environment? Request a transition or call 800-756-8993.
- Need other assistance? email Customer Service or call 1-877-256-2472.
MOST POPULAR STORIES
- Use of Deferred Prosecution Agreements In White Collar InvestigationsThis article discusses the practical and policy reasons for the use of DPAs and NPAs in white-collar criminal investigations, and considers the NDAA's new reporting provision and its relationship with other efforts to enhance transparency in DOJ decision-making.Read More ›
- The DOJ's Corporate Enforcement Policy: One Year LaterThe DOJ's Criminal Division issued three declinations since the issuance of the revised CEP a year ago. Review of these cases gives insight into DOJ's implementation of the new policy in practice.Read More ›
- 10 Steps Legal Departments Should Be Taking to Prepare for the SEC's Newly Adopted Cybersecurity Risk Governance Rule for Public CompaniesBy readying your company's cybersecurity program now to comply with the SEC's cyber rules, you will also arm your company with a better defense against cyberthreat actors, reduce the reputational harm that comes along with a cybersecurity incident and increase investor confidence in the company's cybersecurity program.Read More ›
- The DOJ's New Parameters for Evaluating Corporate Compliance ProgramsThe parameters set forth in the DOJ's memorandum have implications not only for the government's evaluation of compliance programs in the context of criminal charging decisions, but also for how defense counsel structure their conference-room advocacy seeking declinations or lesser sanctions in both criminal and civil investigations.Read More ›
- China Finalizes New Regulations to Relax Personal Data Exports from ChinaNearly six months after the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) was first introduced for public consultation, the much-awaited final rules on Regulating and Facilitating Cross-border Data Flows were published and came into effect on March 22, 2024. The New Regulations largely repeat the Draft Regulations, but now have further relaxed personal data exports from China.Read More ›
