The Law of Healthcare Administration

A hacker accesses the medical records of more than 250,000 patients in a hospital-based clinic. Despite being counseled not to, staff in a psychiatric unit continually refer to a transgender boy using feminine pronouns, causing him acute depression and leading to his suicide. Citing moral objections and fearing prosecution, a physician refuses to prescribe lethal medication for a terminally ill cancer patient who wants to end her suffering. These kinds of situations don’t just shock us with their drama; they also present serious legal challenges that healthcare leaders must be equipped to deal with. The Law of Healthcare Administration helps readers think through the issues, applying current legal principles and relevant judicial decisions. Author J. Stuart Showalter surveys the pressing issues that have resulted from two centuries of US policy, court decisions, and regulation. He writes from a management perspective, emphasizing a practical understanding of legal concepts, in a style that is clear and accessible to readers without a legal background. The ninth edition retains this authoritative book’s many absorbing sidebars, surprising court records, and challenging discussion questions that have made it so engaging to past readers. The Law of Healthcare Administration prepares future leaders for the many legal challenges their institutions will likely face.

J. Stuart Showalter, JD, MFS, has developed a deep expertise in health law over a 45-year career. Institutions at which he has taught include the University of Central Florida, San Diego State University, and La Sierra University’s executive MBA program at Eisenhower Medical Center.