Medical Ethics Advisor – November 1, 2009
November 1, 2009
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Advance directives an important tool in treating dementia patients at EOL
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1997 that patients have a right to palliative care to alleviate pain and suffering. But what if the patient is afflicted with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia and is unable to communicate whether he or she is experiencing pain? -
All patients have the right to refuse treatment
Every patient in the United States has the legal right to refuse medical care â even when that care would help the patient, experts agree. -
Bill would allow physicians to report unsafe drivers
The Massachusetts Legislature's Joint Transportation Committee has drafted and recommended a bill that would allow physicians and law enforcement officers "to make a report to the registrar if there is cause to believe that an operator is unable to safely operate a motor vehicle," according to a summary of the legislative bill. -
'Fixing Sex' author's goal was to reflect all stakeholders
When Katrina Karkazis, PhD, MPH, began her research in 1997 for her dissertation on intersex patients â or patients born with features of both the female and male sex â she said when she told people what she was working on, the standard answer was "Huh? What's that?" -
Health care reform discussion continues
I believe that underlying [the health care reform] debate is our national schizophrenia over whether health care is a social good or an economic good. We often say the former, but the reality is the latter. We say health care is a 'right' not a 'privilege,' and we deplore that not everyone has access to health insurance. -
News Briefs
The Joint Commission (TJC) says it is teaming up with top hospitals and health systems across the United States to use new methods to find the causes of and put a stop to dangerous and potentially deadly breakdowns in patient care.