Patient Denied Medical Treatment Dies After Rationing

[LJH_80]

Every post on either side has agreed on one thing:
There is not enough information in the article to make any kind of informed statement.

Thus, may I suggest that those who want this case to be discussed attempt to find actual medical information about the case, and present it for debate. Otherwise, all this thread is going to be is,

“well it could have been this…”
“true, but it could also have been this…”

And that seems like a waste of time to me.

 

[Michael_Mayo]

I agree with you, LJH_80. The only information provided is hopelessly one sided and incomplete. It would be important to hear the hospital’s side. But anytime we see the term “Death Panel” we need to be on the alert for misinformation. Texas’ “futile medical care” law was enacted in 1999.

 

[Nate13]

I agree with you, LJH_80. The only information provided is hopelessly one sided and incomplete. It would be important to hear the hospital’s side. But anytime we see the term “Death Panel” we need to be on the alert for misinformation. Texas’ “futile medical care” law was enacted in 1999.

What is the point of such a law?

 

[mary_bobo]

1. They had the money to pay
2. Patients wishes are clear
3. Its apparent they also pulled food and water. They took him off everything so I would assume those are included.

This seems to point towards the patient not being fed and given water helped lead to his death.

As some have already said, we do not have the information to form an accurate opinion on this. But bear in mind that when the body is beginning to shut down, forcing food and water will only cause the patient to attempt to reject it perhaps causing emesis and asphyxiation. Not good.l

 

[Michael_Mayo]

What is the point of such a law?

To legally protect hospital representatives and physicians who try to act in the best interests of the patient and not prolong a dying process. Physicians believe they should not be forced to provide treatment that violates their ethics. Usually it is the healthcare professionals who are very familiar with the ongoing daily drama of true futile care who feel so strongly about this law. For most patients and families these situations are foreign, strange, a whole new reality to deal with in addition to the resistance to let go. It is a heart rending time for all involved, yes, even the doctors. This particular law is a pretty rough way to go. Maybe more time should be given to find another physician and hospital and whatever the family wants still be provided during that time.

This is a bit helpful.

ncpd.org/policy/church/ncpd/statements/futilecare

I am glad, though, this thread was started. I am trying to find which states have such a law protecting the hospital to override the patient/family wishes.