Ethics Case Study
Stacey
HCS/335
September 22, 2011
Dr. Lawrence Fergus

Ethics Case Study
The purpose of this paper is to discuss a hypothetical case analysis involving Dr. Williams’ office assistant Jerry McCall. Jerry was in the office answering phones while the receptionist was at lunch when he received a call from a patient who stated he had an urgent need for a prescription called into the pharmacy. The patient was leaving town within minutes and needed the medication prior to catching his flight. The paper will discuss Jerry’s qualifications to write prescription medications. The doctrine of respondeat superior and how it applies to Jerry in this situation is discussed. Problem-solving methods and major legal and ethical issues that would be helpful in Jerry’s decision making are also conferred.
Scope of Practice
Jerry McCall is Dr. Williams’ office assistant. He is received training as both a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and a Medical Assistant (MA). However, according to the scope of practice of both an LPN and MA, neither is permitted to write prescriptions and call them into the pharmacy (Fremgen, B., 2009). An MA’s scope of practice does not allow for them to write, refill, or call in prescription medications under any circumstances. This practice does not fall within their scope of practice and doing so would be unethical and illegal. Writing prescriptions is not in the scope of practice of an LPN and therefore Jerry should not write this prescription. If Jerry can reach the physician over the telephone, an RN must take the telephone order because taking a telephone order is also out of the LPN’s scope of practice. It would not make a difference what the medication was for because regardless, Jerry is not qualified under any circumstances to write prescriptions. My advice to Jerry would be that he does not take this prescription request and