Legal aspects of clinical supervision. 2: Professional accountability

The previous article considered the employment issues that arise in relation to clinical supervision (Vol 6(7): 393-5). This article examines legal issues arising from professional accountability, the rights of the patient, and records and record keeping. Reporting concerns, giving negligent advice and the duty of care to the patient are described from the point of view of both the supervisor and supervisee. Patients' rights may fall in abeyance when clinical supervision is in progress and the patient should be notified that this is taking place. Access to records by the employer, the courts and the patient needs to be clarified. It is by no means certain that clinical supervision represents the best use of limited resources.