Malpractice liability of allied health professionals: developments in an area of critical concern

Malpractice litigation has become a serious concern of health professionals, as well as a contributor to escalating health-care costs. Allied health professionals have had their conduct called into question in a number of such suits, but so far these have received little scholarly attention. The developing body of allied health professions law is described and analyzed herein, with particular attention given to the issues of fact and law that are most frequently disputed. The need for legal development that includes sensitivity to the knowledge, abilities, and practices distinctive to the various health professions is stressed.