Articles Tagged With: police
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EDs Need Clarity on Policies for Law Enforcement Interactions
Any hospital policy related to patients who are in custody or incarcerated should be developed in conjunction with the relevant law enforcement agencies. Leaders should establish that patients in custody with capacity are their own medical decision-makers. The policy also should include how to identify an appropriate surrogate decision-maker, if necessary.
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What Happens if Police Bring a Child to the ED?
Try gathering healthcare providers, quality officers, the legal department, security, and local law enforcement monthly to discuss disagreements about minors in custody. These conversations can inform efforts to revise policies, with the goal of preventing future disputes.
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Legalities if Law Enforcement Responds to ED Violence
The presence of law enforcement can agitate some patients, or cause others to withhold information over fears the information will be disclosed to police. It creates a situation where state or federal privacy laws can be violated. Emergency clinicians should consult hospital security, risk management, legal counsel, or leadership for guidance on policies and applicable laws.
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Ethics of Warrantless Blood Draws in Hospital Setting
A recent Supreme Court ruling allows police to obtain blood draws from unconscious drunk driving suspects. Ethics should be proactive in this regard.
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Supreme Court Ruling Provides Clarity on Law Enforcement-Requested Blood Draws
Law enforcement requests for blood alcohol levels are legally complex for ED providers. A Supreme Court ruling states no warrant is needed to draw blood from unconscious patients suspected of driving intoxicated.
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Doctor’s Jury Verdict Affirmed in Planted Gun Case
A hospital’s chief of staff opposed its acquisition by a holding company, which he believed lacked the financial backing to operate the facility properly. He feared that client safety would be put in jeopardy should the holding company take over
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Search Warrants Don’t Mean All Access for Police
Search warrants can be more intimidating than subpoenas because law enforcement officials show up at the facility and demand access to certain areas and documents. That event can lead some risk managers or other hospital leaders just to glance at the search warrant and wave the police officers in.
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Guess Where a Doctor Hid a Camera to Try to Catch a Thief?
This doctor used his skills as an ex-TV investigative reporter, but now he is charged.