Still, doctors would do well to distance themselves from companies with negligent standards. In the recent steroid-preparation scandal that led to fatal fungal meningitis in some 45 patients nationwide, some of the prescribing doctors now face lawsuits, the compounding pharmacy at issue having declared bankruptcy in the interim.
Dr. Tan is emeritus professor of medicine and a former adjunct professor of law at the University of Hawaii. This article is meant to be educational and does not constitute medical, ethical, or legal advice. It is adapted from the author’s book, "Medical Malpractice: Understanding the Law, Managing the Risk" (2006). For additional information, readers may contact the author at siang@hawaii.edu.