Emerging Medicolegal Issues in the Practice of Pediatric Sleep Medicine

With the rapid growth in the field of pediatric sleep, health care providers need to be aware of several emerging legal issues that have the potential of impacting their clinical practice. Although there is limited case law related to the practice of pediatric sleep medicine, the emerging legal issues may have a significant impact potential in the future. This article provides an overview of emerging legal areas that have the potential to impact the practice of pediatric sleep medicine. The article is divided into 3 parts. First, an overview of the various legal areas that may impact health care providers involved with taking care of children with pediatric sleep disorders is described, with particular emphasis on civil liability emerging from medical malpractice. Second, some of the unique issues that health care providers must be aware of, including issues related to providing care for minors, is discussed. Third, newer areas that relate to legal prosecution for health care fraud as it may relate to violations of quality of care are introduced, with relevance for the practice of pediatric sleep medicine.