locality standard
A common law liability doctrine stating that the standard of care to which
a physician is held is a function of the locality in which he or she practices.
The rule, however, is rapidly losing favor among most courts and is therefore
infrequently invoked as a defense to professional negligence. Given the advanced
state of communication and travel, even physicians practicing in relatively
isolated, rural areas can avail themselves of the most advanced methods of treatment
and technology.
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