Giving medical advice online - am I liable?

[bluebottle]

Re: Giving medical advice online - am I liable?

As well as having been a policeman, I have also worked in the care sector. The areas I have worked in include disability, neuro-muscular disorders, genetically-inherited conditions and the elderly. However, I have had training, but my qualifications, which must be renewed every three years, have lapsed. Whilst I am happy to listen to people's health concerns, I have always found that it is best practice to refer a person to medical or healthcare professionals who have access to diagnostic facilities and services.

No More Panic seems to be an excellent support network for those with psychological problems and I have to congratulate nomorepanic on coming up with it. Mutual support and the thought that there are others in the same boat as you, is an important aspect in managing and coping with a condition, whether it be physical, mental or psychological.

[enquirer]

Re: Giving medical advice online - am I liable?

I run a website helping people with panic/anxiety etc but we get a lot of Health Anxiety posters asking us to diagnose conditions, pains, spots, moles, cancers etc - you get the idea.

Explain that those areas are outside your remit, and then refer them to their GP.

It might be a good idea to put together a links page with links to a variety of nationally recognised organisations specialising in other things.

[bluebottle]

Re: Giving medical advice online - am I liable?

Explain that those areas are outside your remit, and then refer them to their GP.

It might be a good idea to put together a links page with links to a variety of nationally recognised organisations specialising in other things.

Precisely. A link to the NHS Choices website might be worth considering. It contains a lot of information on different conditions, but you are always advised to seek medical help when in doubt.

[labman]

Re: Giving medical advice online - am I liable?

I too must congratulate yourself on an excellent looking website and forums. I see exactly what you were talking about in the early hours of this morning now.

Most forums do not need insurance, but yours is slightly different possibly, as a mistake could be critical. I can find nothing on Google about it at all. Anyone with sense will advise 'get advice' which is what you're trying to do, but we don't know the answer. Most disclaimers are not worth the paper they're written on apparently, and I do know of forums that have received threats of legal suits, and indeed had legal suits against them. Anyone you ask is going to say play safe.

If you don't mind, I'll join up later and have a really good look around, as it may be a place people who pass through here from time to time would benefit from, and we're always willing to refer to other good support forums.

I'm so sorry I couldn't find an answer for you, but keep up the good work. What area of care are you setting up business in?

[Inca]

Re: Giving medical advice online - am I liable?

The only issue I can see is you must must make it crystal clear that any and all 'advice' given has a clear totally transparent disclaimer on it that the 'advice given' is solely and completely only 'advice'..No diagnosis can and will be given and that noone (I presume) is a trained in medical or mental health matters.Voicing an 'opinion 'does NOT constitute diagnosis and /or medical diagnosis

[nomorepanic]

Re: Giving medical advice online - am I liable?

As an aside, nmp, have you seen this?

http://www.ico.org.uk/for_the_public...-guidance.ashx

Thanks, I will have a read of that as well

[nomorepanic]

Re: Giving medical advice online - am I liable?

I too must congratulate yourself on an excellent looking website and forums. I see exactly what you were talking about in the early hours of this morning now.

Most forums do not need insurance, but yours is slightly different possibly, as a mistake could be critical. I can find nothing on Google about it at all. Anyone with sense will advise 'get advice' which is what you're trying to do, but we don't know the answer. Most disclaimers are not worth the paper they're written on apparently, and I do know of forums that have received threats of legal suits, and indeed had legal suits against them. Anyone you ask is going to say play safe.

If you don't mind, I'll join up later and have a really good look around, as it may be a place people who pass through here from time to time would benefit from, and we're always willing to refer to other good support forums.

I'm so sorry I couldn't find an answer for you, but keep up the good work. What area of care are you setting up business in?

Please feel free to register and recommend the site to anyone that you may think it could help. It has been running for over 11 years now so is well established.I am setting up in business as Home Help for the elderly in my local area.

[nomorepanic]

Re: Giving medical advice online - am I liable?

Thanks for all the other replies as well. I am going to review the disclaimer I have in the T&C's to make sure it is clear about giving and receiving medical advice.

[nomorepanic]

Re: Giving medical advice online - am I liable?

As well as having been a policeman, I have also worked in the care sector. The areas I have worked in include disability, neuro-muscular disorders, genetically-inherited conditions and the elderly. However, I have had training, but my qualifications, which must be renewed every three years, have lapsed. Whilst I am happy to listen to people's health concerns, I have always found that it is best practice to refer a person to medical or healthcare professionals who have access to diagnostic facilities and services.

No More Panic seems to be an excellent support network for those with psychological problems and I have to congratulate nomorepanic on coming up with it. Mutual support and the thought that there are others in the same boat as you, is an important aspect in managing and coping with a condition, whether it be physical, mental or psychological.

You could be a valuable asset on there as well with your knowledge. Thanks for the input as always bluebottle

[bluebottle]

Re: Giving medical advice online - am I liable?

You could be a valuable asset on there as well with your knowledge. Thanks for the input as always bluebottle

NMP,

I might take you up on that as Fibromyalgia, a condition I have, also has psychological aspects which, thankfully, I have escaped.

Inca,

Love your new avatar. The caption sums up my Fibromyalgia to a tee. But please, pray tell, where did you obtain that picture of me first thing in the morning that forms part of your avatar?