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Preamble
Neurologists may be called upon to serve as expert witnesses in various legal proceedings. In this role, they can serve the public interest by providing testimony that is competent, objective, and respectful of law and the legal process. The American Academy of Neurology, as the largest professional society of neurologists in the United States, has undertaken to formulate a Code of Professional Conduct for its members. The purpose of the following provisions is to inform members of the Academy as to what constitutes ethical expert testimony. A neurologist who violates these provisions is subject to disciplinary action under the By-Laws and Disciplinary Action Policy of the Academy if the violation occurs while the neurologist is a member of the Academy.
I. Elements of Medical Expert Testimony
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A. The purpose of medical expert witness testimony is to assist a court or other lawful forum to understand medical evidence or to determine medical facts at issue.
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B. Where testimony relates to an allegation of medical malpractice, the medical expert may be asked to provide an opinion that—
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Describes relevant standards of care, specifies any violations of these standards, and indicates whether any such violations caused harm to a claimant.
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Describes the current clinical status and prognosis of a claimant who alleges malpractice as the cause of his or her injury.
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C. Medical expert testimony …
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