The Ethics Committee is meeting to discuss continuing care for a patient in a persistent vegetative state. The husband wants the patient to continue to receive care yet the mother and sister of the patient claim that they were told repeatedly by their daughter/sister that in no way did she want to be a burden to the healthcare industry. Which of the following should the Ethics Committee members do regarding the patient's care?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

There is no clear cut, easy answer for this situation. Since the Schiavo case, three lessons were provided. The first is that states need to address issues regarding end-of-life decision making. The second is that the courts need to clarify what is considered clear and convincing evidence regarding what the incapacitated person would want. And the third is that the interests of family members or those persons closest to the patient should be at the forefront of and included in the decision-making process. The Ethics Committee should take the information provided by the mother and sister into consideration. The committee should not do everything to keep the patient safe and alive nor should they take this situation to the state Supreme Court. The husband and in-laws have not been able to work this situation out and since the Ethics Committee needed to meet this is not the correct answer.

The Ethics Committee Is Meeting to Discuss Continuing Care for a Patient