Risperdal Litigation: Risk Management Advice for Psychiatrists

If you’ve paid attention to the news lately, you’ve more than likely seen headlines about Johnson & Johnson being involved in litigation related to the marketing of Risperdal.  Recently, our clients have begun to receive more requests for medical records in connection with Risperdal litigation.

In the event that you receive any such request, we would like to remind you to keep the following risk management advice in mind:

1) Send your records request in for review.  Your risk managers are ready and willing to assist you in any way possible.

2) As with any safety information related to medications you prescribe, you should review the appropriateness of continuing those medications.  Remember to discuss the appropriateness of continuing such medications with your patient and/or his guardian(s) in order to obtain updated informed consent.

3) Never alter the record!  If you believe an entry needs to be amended call us  before doing so.

Clients of The Psychiatrists’ Program are encouraged to call the Risk Management Consultation Service at (800) 527-9181.

Justin A. Pope, JD – Associate Risk Manager Mr. Pope received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and his law degree from Howard University School of Law. As a law student, he focused primarily on international, administrative, and food law.  During his final year at Howard, Mr. Pope gained additional insight into the FDA’s  regulatory process while serving as a research assistant to his professor.  He has also interned as a legal assistant for both the Ft. Monroe Garrison Office of the Staff Judge Advocate and the Office of the Naval Inspector General, opining on a variety of legal issues, including privacy law.