After a frustrating call, you write in your report that the patient was "nuts." What could you potentially be found guilty of?

When you write in a report that a patient was "nuts," you could potentially be found guilty of libel. This is because libel refers to the act of making false and damaging statements about a person in written form. In this context, the term "nuts" is derogatory and could defame the patient's character, leading to potential harm to their reputation.

Such a description can be interpreted as a permanent record of an unfounded judgment, which could misinform others who read the report about the patient's mental state or behavior. The written nature of the report makes it libelous, as it can be shared or accessed by multiple parties, thereby amplifying the potential harm caused by that statement.

It's essential in medical and professional documentation to maintain a level of professionalism and objectivity to avoid legal repercussions and safeguard the dignity of individuals you work with.