This course will enable you to qualify for five contact hours of Continuing Education credit for re-licensure. The term covers such causes of action as breach of contract, intentional torts, and negligence. There is always a cost associated with such injuries, and society must determine whether the cost should remain with the injured person or be shifted to another person. The shifting of responsibility for the cost can be accomplished in a variety of ways, including through insurance or the imposition of civil liability.
Deterrence is another purpose for imposing civil liability.
The idea is that the threat of malpractice suits will deter health care providers from negligent actions. This approach to assuring that health care is acceptable in quality is somewhat controversial, with many arguing that there are better means available for accomplishing the same goal. In most cases the civil liability is based upon some fault or wrongdoing, intentional or unintentional, by the person being held liable. Legal fault is not the equivalent of moral fault. In fact, the law has not always required the element of fault to be present in civil liability cases.