Public Health Law Map - Beta 5 - Medical and Public Health Law Site

to dangerous products such as drugs.
In general, the manufacturer of a
product has a duty to warn the
consumer about the dangers posed by
the product. Since patients cannot
purchase prescription drugs without
a physician’s order, the law holds the
drug manufacturer must warn the
physician. If the physician is
provided proper warnings, the drug
company is not liable if the patient is
injured because the physician
improperly prescribed the drug.
Liability A legally enforceable obligation.
Libel Defamation by written or printed
materials, including pictures.
Litigation Trial of a dispute in a court of law or
other legal forum to determine
factual and legal issues, rights, and
duties between the parties.
Living Wills A legal document that outlines the
patient’s wishes for refusing or
discontinuing lifesaving medical
treatment if the patient becomes
incompetent.
MCO Managed Care Organization.
Malpractice Professional negligence resulting
from improper discharge of
professional duties or failure to meet
the standard of care of a
professional, resulting in harm to
another.
Mandamus A court order compelling public
officers to do their legally mandated
duties.
Mediation A process in which the parties to a
dispute ask a neutral person to help
them come to a mutually beneficial
settlement.
Medicare A federal health insurance program
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