What is the best way to protect a team physician from legal risk?

Having players and parents sign a letter of understanding about risks is a proactive approach to managing legal risk for a team physician. This document serves to inform both players and their guardians about the inherent risks associated with participation in sports activities, thereby ensuring that they acknowledge these risks. By obtaining informed consent, the physician creates a clear record that can serve as a protective measure in the event of a dispute.

This written agreement fosters transparency about potential injuries or risks involved in sports, which can help mitigate liability. Additionally, it enhances the physician's professional responsibility by reinforcing the understanding that participation in sports carries certain inherent dangers, and that the physician will take necessary precautions to ensure player safety.

While obtaining insurance coverage is generally an important component of legal risk management for healthcare providers, the practice of actively informing and obtaining consent from players and parents through a letter of understanding specifically addresses the informed consent aspect, which has legal significance in many jurisdictions. Thus, while insurance is critical, it does not directly engage players and parents in the understanding and acceptance of risk as effectively as a letter of understanding does.