Medical Legal Issues in Health and Fitness Clubs

Health and Fitness Clubs are facing increased liability exposure on a number of fronts. This program covers the various medical legal issues that arise with regard to owning and operating a health club.

The presentation begins with a brief overview of sudden cardiac arrest and the use of the automatic external defibrillator in high stress environments, such as health clubs. The course then focuses on how the various States have instituted regulations requiring the placement of automated extrernal defibrillators (AED) in health clubs and the legal issues that have arisen as a result, including recent Court decisions, such as Miglino v. Bally Total Fitness of Greater New York and Zihlman v. Wichita Falls YMCA. 

In addition, as health and fitness clubs are developing medical clearance and wellness programs with health care facilities, the program provides information on areas of potential liability and ways in which pitfalls can be avoided. 

Learning Objectives: 

I.   Identify the requirements and legal implications of having an AED available in a health club 

II.  Recognize the legal protections available in situations when the AED is used in emergency situations 

III. Ascertain the risks associated with expanding health and fitness programs and ways to avoid the potential

     difficulties