Is it legal to publicly rate medical doctors ?
Posted by: John on 07.12.1995.
In the US and other countries? e.g. could I create a web site where I say that I rate Doctor X 70/100 and Doctor Y 75/100, without any other explanation? What if I do provide an explanation? What if I rated mechanics instead of medical doctors?
Answers (1):
Posted by: Guest on 22.12.2008.
NOT LEGAL ADVICE: As long as you make it clear that you are offering your opinion, then your ratings will be protected by the US Constitution's 1st Amendment protection for free speech. (You are in the US, right?) If you falsely or misleadingly indicate that your rankings are based on something other than your opinion, then there may be liability for libel or even fraud. However, if the rankings are based on some criteria other than your opinion, and you are explicit about the basis for the rankings and truthful about the results, you are similarly protected. Shouldn't be a difference for medical or mechanical rankings. But, keep in mind that if people rely on your endorsement and then something goes wrong, they may seek to hold you liable. The best protection against this is to be explicit about your sources (opinion, etc.) and have a lawyer advise you.
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