Abstracts » Health

Holding HMOs responsible

Article Abstract:

A ruling handed down by the Illinois Supreme Court could make HMOs liable for the actions of individual doctors. In this case, the doctors were independent contractors. Although businesses cannot be held liable for the actions of independent contractors, they may be held liable if the independent contractor was acting as their agent. The court ruled that the woman who sued her HMO believed the doctors were acting as agents of the HMO. The court also stated that HMOs that control the behavior of independent practitioners can also be held liable for their actions.

Managed care plans (Medical care), Malpractice

---

HMOs and liability

Article Abstract:

Health maintenance organizations (HMOs) may be held legally liable for the care delivered by participating doctors when the insurer has presented itself as a source of health care. An appellate court in Illinois held that the Share Health Insurance Plan, although it did not employ participating physicians, may be sued for liability for inadequate care because the HMO advertised itself as the source for "all your health care needs" and "your health care manager."

Health aspects, Liability (Law), Legal liability, Share Health Insurance Plan of Illinois

---

Holding HMOs accountable: court rules that HMOs can be held liable for negligence

Article Abstract:

In May, 2000, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that an HMO was liable for negligence in the treatment of a child with bacterial meningitis. The plaintiff had discovered that the HMO had assigned more patients to the doctor than its own guidelines recommended.

Negligence

Some parts © 2012 Advameg, Inc.