Medical Testimony

Potential Ethical Issues

Adopted: Wed, 2010-04-21

Back to Position Statements

Reviewed 201-11-13 - no changes

The Board recognizes that medical testimony is vital to the administration of justice in both judicial and administrative proceedings. In order to provide further guidance to those podiatrists called upon to testify, the Board adopts and endorses the APMA Code of Ethics ME5.2 entitled "Accountability in Providing Expert Testimony":

ME5.21 The podiatrist providing expert testimony is expected to have relevant experience, training, and knowledge in the area in which the podiatrist has agreed to testify. Testimony must be objective and be limited to the area of expertise held by the podiatrist. Expert testimony should be based upon recognized medical and scientific principles, theories, facts, and standard of care.

ME5.22 The podiatrist serving as an expert witness shall offer testimony that is honest and truthful. A breach of these ethics would exist if a podiatrist knowingly provides false or misleading testimony.

ME 5.23 The podiatrist may accept compensation for testimony offered, but such compensation should not in any way be related to or based upon the outcome of the litigation.