Medical Ethics Advisor – May 1, 2010
May 1, 2010
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Interpreting and applying law often requires an ethical approach
While there are certain scenarios regarding patient care when what is written in the law may seem to counter what is ethically appropriate, in general, the law and ethics complement each other in the health care arena, according to those interviewed by Medical Ethics Advisor. -
Law, ethics sometimes create misperceptions
Although most patient care scenarios can be worked out through careful communication with all those involved, there are certain situations where even greater diplomacy may be required on the part of ethics consultants. -
Hospital counsel: To serve on ethics committees?
At the University of California, Davis, the legal counsel and the ethics consultation services are "completely separated," according to Alexander A. Kon, MD, CM, FAAP, FCCM, who, among other appointments, serves as the director, clinical bioethics consultation service and chair, bioethics consultation committee. -
Health care reform to have impact on ethics
One health care lawyer suggests that there will be a phased implementation of the health care reform bill, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which was passed in March. -
Compassion & Choices in public ed effort
In early April, Compassion & Choices President Barbara Coombs Lee said at a press conference to announce that "aid in dying" more often referred to as assisted suicide is being implemented in Montana following a Montana Supreme Court decision to allow it in late December. -
Helping parents of kids with leukemia
In the days after a child has been diagnosed with leukemia, parents often must wrestle with decisions about participation in clinical trials. It's a busy and stressful period, as family members are still dealing with the trauma of the diagnosis. -
News Briefs
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) on April 13 released the 2009 National Healthcare Quality Report and the National Healthcare Disparities Report, which are used by a variety of health care stakeholders to evaluate quality and access to care.