Wednesday, June 17
8:30 am Welcome and Introductions
8:40 am Intersection of Law, Ethics and Policy
Claire Horner, JD, MA
Baylor University
Abstract: TBA
9:45 am Patient Autonomy and the Right to Make Bad Decisions
Abstract: Often, when a patient disagrees with a recommendation or refuses a specific treatment, the healthcare team will question the patient’s capacity. In behavioral health, this dilemma is underscored. Discerning whether a patient is demonstrating diminished capacity or simply making an autonomous - but questionable - decision can create distress for healthcare professionals. Patients' disagreement with experts does not equal diminished capacity. This session will explore the motivations and needs of patients who do not see eye-to-eye with their clinicians and how to balance honoring autonomy in patients with complex histories.
10:50 am Medical Negligence and Professional Liability: Navigating Risk, Responsibility, and Real-World
Practice
Mike Gianantonio, Esq
Abstract: Healthcare professionals operate at the intersection of clinical care, legal accountability, and ethical responsibility—often without clear boundaries. This session examines how laws shape everyday practice, from informed consent and patient rights to malpractice risk and error reporting. Through real-world cases and Pennsylvania-specific statutes, participants will explore when medical errors may carry criminal consequences and how legal pressures influence transparency, communication, and patient safety culture. The session also highlights key protections, including the Benevolent Gesture Act, offering practical guidance on communicating with patients and families while reducing liability. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of their legal responsibilities and strategies to navigate complex situations with confidence and integrity.