Ethics Case Study/ Upo/ Hcs/335

Ethics Case Study

May 28, 2011

Yvette L. Horton

University of Phoenix/ Axia College

HCS/335

Instructor Katherine Rossiter

This paper will include and explain the following, does Jerry’s medical training qualify him to issue this refill order, 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, 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, and what Yvette’s advice would be to Jerry. In addition this paper will identify major legal and ethical issues that may affect Jerry’s decision and what problem-solving methods might be helpful to assist in making an ethical decision.

Jerry’s medical training includes professional training as a medical assistant and an LPN. Medical assistants’ duties include collecting and processing specimens, performing electrocardiography and respiratory testing, performing phlebotomy, including venipuncture and capillary puncture, utilizing knowledge of principles of radiology, performing initial-response screening following protocols approved by supervising physician, obtain, evaluate, and record patient history employing critical thinking skill, obtain vital signs, prepare and maintain examination and treatment areas, prepare patient for examinations, procedures and treatments, Prepare and administer oral and parenteral (excluding IV) medications (as directed and immunizations by supervising physician and as permitted by state law) (American Associations of Medical Assistants, 2008). In addition, medical assistants perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointment and filing or recording medical records. Jerry’s medical training as a medical assistant would not qualify him to issue the refill order because medical assistants work under the supervision of a physician and are not licensed to issue refills....