Physicians' legal duty of care and legal right to refuse to work during a pandemic.

摘要

Considerable literature exists on physicians' ethical obligations to treat during pandemics, but much less has been written about their legal obligations. Without understanding the legal landscape, physicians could face serious professional and personal consequences: those who breach their legal duties may face negligence lawsuits, and those who do not understand their legal right to refuse to work in unsafe conditions may face serious injury and even death. Globally, physicians are grappling with similar issues, although the legal implications vary in each country. Physicians working during a pandemic in Canada need to be aware of their legal rights and duties specific to the provinces in which they work.