Medical Ethics Advisor 2008-05-01

Psychiatric advance directive: Patients plan for when they're not competent

When the first psychiatric advance directives (PADs) began to appear in state legislation more than 20 years ago, they were largely considered to be an end-of-life tool, much like general advance directives. But as more states have passed PAD laws 25 states now have laws specifically providing for PADs their usefulness has expanded.

Center to pursue ethical, informed vaccine policies

The life cycle of a vaccine from discovery and production through distribution, rationing, and replacement can span a quarter-century, involve health professionals worldwide, and raise ethical issues every step of the way. But there was no centralized effort to promote policy and ethics around vaccine discovery, use, and global public health and so the Center for Vaccine Ethics and Policy was created.

Physicians urge protections against genetic discrimination

The availability of genetic testing is expanding rapidly so rapidly that information is available before there are safeguards in place concerning how it can be used. In recent months, home test kits, with which users are told they can determine genetic predisposition to bipolar disorders or determine paternity, have come on the market.

Massachusetts seeks ban on pharma gifts to doctors

Some lawmakers in Massachusetts have introduced legislation that would make the state the first in the nation to impose an outright ban on all pharmaceutical marketing gifts to physicians. The bill also seeks statewide adoption of electronic medical records.

Uninsured research subjects raise multiple ethical issues

Nearly 47 million Americans lack health insurance, leaving them without regular access to health care and making them a potentially vulnerable population in health care research.

Do staff speak up when patient safety is at issue?

The health care community has long endorsed staff and patients speaking up when necessary to protect patient safety, but in the heat of the moment, a staff member can be intimidated by superiors and fearful of rocking the boat.

Free drug samples might be costly 'gifts' in the long run

Before you hand patients free samples of prescription drugs, consider that the sample that saves them money now may end up costing them in the long run, according to research that indicates patients who receive free drug samples from their doctors have significantly higher out-of-pocket prescription costs than those who don't.

News Briefs

'Dr. Death' seeks to become Rep. Kevorkian, Antibiotics and end-of-life in dementia patients

Medical Ethics Advisor – May 1, 2008

May 1, 2008