Ethics Case Study
Does Jerry’s medical training qualify him to issue this refill order? Why or Why not
If Jerry was solely a medical assistant he would not be able to refill any prescription for they have absolute no authority to do so. Medical assistants’ may take the call and write the messages and send it to the nurse but that is about where it ends because they are not permitted to authorize or even inform patients about a prescription without consent of the doctor (Irwin, Yock, & Buckhrdt, 2009)..
However, in this case Jerry is also trained in LPN, which allows him to inform the patient on the behalf of the doctor and inform the doctor of needed prescriptions. LPN performs many duties such as routine tasks and basic bedside care under the supervision of an NP or a doctor (Irwin, Yock, & Buckhrdt, 2009).
Would it make a difference if the medication requested were for control of high blood pressure that the patient critically needs on a daily basis? Why or Why not?
I would not make a difference if the Jerry patient needed nitrate for a heart complication or if it was for control of high blood pressure, it doesn’t change the law for personal circumstances. These laws are put in place to ensure that welfare of the patient and care giver alike. Nurse can legally care and give treatment to patients but they do not have the authority to prescribe medication, and they may only be allowed to refill a prescription after informing the doctor and get there approval (Irwin, Yock, & Buckhrdt, 2009).
If Jerry calls in the refill and the patient has an adverse reaction while flying, is Jerry protected from a lawsuit under the doctrine of respondent superior?
The doctrine of superior or vicarious liability, upholds that the medical organization facility (example, the University of Michigan hospital) is held responsible for their employees (Jerry) negligent actions,