This webinar will raise awareness of fabricated and induced illness in a hospital setting. Case studies and protocols for addressing overmedicalization, preventing criminal harm, and prosecuting medical fraud, along with diagnostic tools that distinguish between malingering, hypochondria (illness anxiety disorders), and factitious disorder imposed on self or another will be covered. Approaches to surveillance will be discussed in the context of privacy, ethics, criminal law, and mandated reporting. Liability for failing to stop abuse and fraud will be contrasted with the “Medical Kidnap” narrative in lawsuits against hospitals that have protected victims.
Presentation topics include:
- Differentiate hallmarks of Factitious Disorders, Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy, Malingering, and Medical Child Abuse
- List warning signs of falsified or induced illnesses
- Apply the 4th Amendment right to privacy as it relates to gathering evidence of crime and fraud in hospitals
- Discuss ethical dilemmas and compassionate care for patients who “overmedicalize”
Navigating Munchausen Syndrome: Protecting Patients, Providers and Resources
Wednesday, November 12, 2025: 11:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. (PT)
Beatrice Yorker, JD, RN, MS
Dr. Yorker is a psychiatric nurse and attorney who published a law review article on covert video surveillance of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy: The exigent circumstances exception, co-authored the Practice Guidelines for Medical Child Abuse published by the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC), and numerous articles on this insidious form of abuse. She serves as the President of Munchausen Support, a non-profit dedicated to providing resources for survivors, professionals, and non-offending family of victims . She has consulted and trained with many hospitals and healthcare systems regarding the complexities of dealing with induced and fabricated illnesses.
HQI is an approved continuing education (CE) provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing and will provide CHPSO members an opportunity to earn CEs. Provider Number CEP16793 for 1 contact hours.
Please contact CHPSO at info@chpso.org if you have any questions.