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VOLUME 14 , ISSUE 3 ( July-September, 2019 ) > List of Articles

REVIEW ARTICLE

Medicolegal Aspects of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

AS Pon Thelac, Nileena N KakkattuMana

Keywords : Disability, Health insurance, Legal implications, Liability, Litigations, Medicolegal, Obstructive sleep apnea

Citation Information : Thelac AP, KakkattuMana NN. Medicolegal Aspects of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Indian Sleep Med 2019; 14 (3):51-53.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10069-0039

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 01-06-2018

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2019; The Author(s).


Abstract

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been steadily increasing in recent decades. Correspondingly, the legal implications of this chronic disease are also being recognized and addressed. The insurance coverage for diagnosis and management of OSA and the medico-legal implications of undiagnosed OSA is clearly defined in some western countries. Health insurance coverage in India is predominantly for hospitalization and chronic disorders, such as OSA, are often not covered. In this review, we describe and compare the current status of medical and legal aspects in different countries, including issues related to health insurance, driving license, disability status, professional indemnity, and perioperative liabilities. We call to attention the need for more robust legislation in India relating to sleep disorders.


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