4 ways to protect yourself from malpractice claims tied to AI scribes

Artificial intelligence scribes have quickly become one of the most widely adopted tools in modern medical practice, promising to reduce documentation burden and give physicians more time with patients. But as these tools move from novelty to standard practice, they're also introducing new questions about liability. When an AI-generated note contains an error, omission, or misinterpretation, who bears the responsibility — and what happens if that note becomes part of a malpractice claim?

For physicians integrating AI scribes into their workflow, understanding these risks isn't optional. Documentation has always been a cornerstone of legal protection in medicine, and AI tools change how that documentation is created, reviewed, and ultimately used as evidence. Without the right safeguards, physicians may find themselves more exposed, not less, even as these tools save them time.

In this episode of Vital Signs with Dr. Sarah Matt, she outlines four practical strategies physicians can use to protect themselves from malpractice claims tied to AI scribe use — from how notes should be reviewed before signing off to what documentation practices matter most if a claim is ever filed. Whether you've already adopted an AI scribe or are considering one, these steps can help you use the technology confidently while minimizing your legal exposure.

Matt is an editorial advisory board member for Medical Economics and the author of The Borderless Healthcare Revolution: The Definitive Guide to Breaking Geographic Barriers Through Technology.