[The physician and the South African nursing profession. The risk of legal liability].

Risks of legal liability are increasing for both medical and nursing professions as a result of the fast tempo and magnitude of changes evolving in health service policies. More than ever before, a close look will have to be taken at the important doctor-nurse relationship and the interdependent functioning of these two professions in the health team, failure of which will either prevent the nursing profession from developing to its full potential or create situations of intolerable high risk of legal liability for both professions. Simple methods, but dependent on a team approach by health authorities, law makers, the different health professions, training institutions and individuals are described which may markedly reduce the risks of legal liability.