Comment or give Opinion on those two discussion answer below?

Discussion 1:

Essence Elbert posted Jul 3, 2021 1:42 PM

It is in my opinion that Dr. Spillman did not do the right thing. This is also reflected in his actions as while he was writing the prescription for the patient, verbally he was saying no as if to have a form of deniability later. When a patient is terminally ill and is at a point where treatment unfortunately is no longer beneficial, it is very important that physicians and healthcare workers balance the patients needs. Morally Dr. Spillman may be thinking that he is showing compassion to his patient in giving him the information that he asks for, but from an ethical and legal standpoint he is attempting physician assisted suicde. Currently only 9 states and the District of Columbia have laws in place that allow physician assisted suicide so if Dr. Spillman is not in one of those states; there may be consequences (Death with Dignity,2021). Ultimately, Dr. Spillman was in the wrong in my opinion because he did not speak with his team about this encounter and this should be addressed immediately.

Reference:

Death with Dignity Acts - States That Allow Assisted Death. Death With Dignity. (2021, April 7).https://deathwithdignity.org/learn/death-with-dignity-acts/.

Discussion 2:

Nicole Calaustro posted Jul 3, 2021 1:34 PM

Given this difficult situation, my perspective as an administrator is that Dr. Spillman did not do the correct thing, and further investigation should be done. As outlined in the email, I believe there is a possibility that Dr. Spillman allowed his emotions to overtake his duties as a provider. The nurse mentioned in her email that Dr. Spillman was "tearing up" and responded to the patient that "it would require several pills in order for it to be lethal". Although Dr. Spillman himself has his own morals, it should not interfere with his practice as a healthcare professional. This is a moral issue as it interferes with a patient's morals and it essentially takes away his right to make decisions in his care. The ethical implications of this situation is that it is a decision of ending an individual's life. It is difficult for a patient who is chronically ill, depressed and is at a point in their care where his body is deteriorating. As a healthcare professional, Dr. Spillman is able to use his clinical judgement for recommendations for his care. However, if a patient is still making this decision for their own care, and is competent to make decisions, I feel they should be respected. I think this would have been an opportunity to get the Ethics team in the organization involved and to schedule a meeting with the patient and the family. The legal ramifications may depend on state regulations and laws. However, federal laws regarding physicians administering lethal injections are more extensive and must abide by the American Medical Association's guidelines (Black & Sade 2007). Therefore, regardless of what could have been done at the very moment the patient asked for a prescription, it would require further discussion among legal authorities and the patient.

References

Black, L., & Sade R. M. (2007). Lethal Injection and Physicians: State Law vs. Medical Ethics. Death penalty information center. Retrieved fromhttps://deathpenaltyinfo.org/stories/lethal-injection-and-physicians-state-law-vs-medical-ethics