This week, you looked at the provider and patient rights. The assignment this week gives you a chance to look at a state law that provides the right for patients to die with dignity and compare the patient’s right with the ethical duty of physicians set forth in the AMA’s Code of Ethics.
write an essay that compares and contrasts the law and Code of Ethics as it applies to your state. Incorporate the following into your essay:
- Referring directly to the law, provide verbiage for what a provider is or is not allowed to do.
- What requirements must be present for a patient asking for death-hastening medication?
- Describe what the AMA’s Code of Ethic’s stance is on these procedures, including any additional opinions published by the AMA.
- Explain the challenging ethical decision-making process a provider must go through in this case.
- How might this situation be resolved for a legal and ethical resolution?
Full Answer Section
- Terminal illness: The patient must have a terminal diagnosis with a prognosis of six months or less to live.
- Mental capacity: The patient must be of sound mind and capable of making informed decisions about their medical care.
- Repeated requests: The patient must make multiple requests for assistance in dying, separated by a specified period of time.
- Consultation: The patient must consult with two independent physicians who confirm the diagnosis and prognosis.
AMA Code of Ethics
The AMA Code of Ethics provides guidance for physicians on ethical issues related to medical practice. While the AMA does not explicitly endorse physician-assisted suicide, it does address the concept of compassion and patient autonomy. The Code states that physicians should "respect the autonomy of patients," which includes the right to make informed decisions about their own care. However, the AMA also emphasizes the importance of preserving life and avoiding actions that could hasten death.
Ethical Decision-Making
Physicians faced with a patient's request for death with dignity must navigate a complex ethical decision-making process. They must balance the patient's autonomy and desire for a peaceful death with the ethical imperative to preserve life. This decision can be particularly challenging when the patient is experiencing significant suffering and has a terminal prognosis.
Resolving the Conflict
Resolving the conflict between state law and the AMA Code of Ethics requires careful consideration of the specific circumstances of each case. While the law may permit physician-assisted suicide under certain conditions, physicians must also consider their own ethical beliefs and the best interests of their patients. Open communication with patients and their families can help to ensure that all parties understand the options available and the potential consequences of each decision.
In conclusion, the issue of death with dignity is a complex one that raises important ethical and legal questions.
While state laws may provide guidance on this topic, physicians must also consider the principles outlined in the AMA Code of Ethics. By carefully weighing the patient's wishes, the ethical implications, and the legal requirements, healthcare providers can make informed decisions that respect the autonomy of patients while upholding the highest standards of medical care.
Sample Answer
The issue of death with dignity, or physician-assisted suicide, is a complex and highly debated topic in the United States. While some states have enacted laws legalizing this practice, others have not. This essay will compare and contrast the state law governing death with dignity in [Your State] with the ethical guidelines established by the American Medical Association (AMA) Code of Ethics.
State Law on Death with Dignity
In [Your State], the Death with Dignity Act (or similar legislation) outlines the specific requirements and procedures for patients seeking physician-assisted suicide. The law typically defines the conditions under which a physician is allowed to prescribe a lethal dose of medication upon a patient's request. These requirements often include: