Ethical and Legal Implications of Prescribing Drugs

Ethical and Legal Implications of Prescribing Drugs

Introduction

Prescribing drugs as an advanced practice nurse entails a complex responsibility beyond clinical expertise. This practice’s ethical and legal dimensions become even more apparent when confronted with complex scenarios like the one described in this case study. This paper explores the ethical and legal considerations surrounding the prescription of drugs for an 18-month-old boy named TF, who was admitted for severe gastrointestinal issues. At the same time, his parents object to medical interventions due to religious beliefs. The exploration will cover all stakeholders’ considerations, disclosure, and nondisclosure strategies, decision-making processes, and the impact of state-specific regulations.

Ethical and Legal Implications on Stakeholders

In this scenario, the prescriber is faced with a significant ethical dilemma. The responsibility to prioritize the welfare of TF, an 18-month-old boy facing severe GI blockage and impaction, conflicts with the religious convictions of the parents, who strongly object to medical interventions. The prescriber must carefully consider the balance between respecting the parents’ autonomy and safeguarding the child’s well-being (Haddad & Geiger, 2023; Peleg, 2023). As another essential stakeholder, the pharmacist confronts the ethical dilemma of providing prescribed medications that may be crucial for TF’s well-being but are strongly objected to by the parents.

As the patient, TF cannot express his needs and must rely entirely on the decisions made by healthcare professionals.   The family, driven by their strong beliefs, brings a cultural aspect to the ethical equation, which adds complexity to the decision-making process. It is crucial for the prescriber to thoroughly evaluate these ethical considerations, comprehending the potential consequences of decisions on every party involved (Peleg, 2023).

Strategies for Disclosure and Nondisclosure

The intricacy of the scenario calls for careful consideration of strategies for disclosure and nondisclosure. The prescriber should consider the state’s specific laws, particularly Minnesota’s regulations, which may impact the communication approach (Minnesota Department of Health, 2023). An open and culturally aware discussion with the parents is crucial. The prescriber should emphasize the importance of addressing TF’s condition, the need for medical intervention, and the potential outcomes of declining treatment. However, showing respect for the parent’s religious beliefs is equally essential.

In Minnesota, where the scenario occurs, laws may prioritize the significance of informed consent and the communication of potential risks linked to the decision to decline treatment (Minnesota Department of Health, 2023).   Thus, it is crucial to find a careful equilibrium where parents are provided with complete information while recognizing and honoring their freedom to choose based on their religious beliefs.   This approach not only upholds ethical principles but also complies with legal standards, promoting a collaborative approach to decision-making.

Decision-Making Strategies for Advanced Practice Nurses

Advanced practice nurses must navigate complex situations with a solid dedication to making ethical decisions (Haddad & Geiger, 2023). First and foremost, it is essential to establish open communication channels with the parents. I would foster an open and respectful conversation that enables the parents to share their thoughts and values while offering thorough information about TF’s condition and the importance of medical intervention.

Furthermore, it is crucial to adopt a thoughtful approach that acknowledges cultural and religious beliefs while highlighting the potential repercussions of refusing. This requires recognizing the parents’ independence in decision-making while emphasizing the possible negative consequences for TF if medical intervention is not provided (Haddad & Geiger, 2023).   I would work together with the healthcare team to consider different approaches that respect the parents’ religious beliefs and, at the same time, address TF’s pressing medical requirements.

In the context of potential medication errors, it is crucial to prioritize transparency. If, despite my best efforts, the parents decline medical treatment and harm occurs to TF, I would promptly disclose the error. This aligns with the ethical principle of honesty and accountability, recognizing mistakes can happen and showing dedication to learning and getting better.

Prescription Writing Process and Minimizing Medication Errors

The prescription writing process entails crucial steps to minimize errors and guarantee patient safety. First and foremost, conducting a thorough evaluation of TF’s condition is imperative. Various factors, including age, weight, and medical history, must be carefully considered to determine the most suitable medication and dosage (Maxwell, 2020). Accurate dosing calculations are essential for pediatric patients, as their physiological characteristics demand precision.

Subsequently, working together with pharmacists is a crucial part of the prescription writing process. It is crucial to verify dosages, check for potential drug interactions, and ensure the compatibility of prescribed medications with TF’s condition. Using electronic prescribing systems can improve accuracy and minimize the potential for errors that can occur with handwritten prescriptions (de Araújo et al., 2019).

Further, staying informed about the latest evidence-based guidelines and continuously educating oneself on best practices in pharmacotherapy is essential for advanced practice nurses. This continuous professional development ensures that prescribers stay updated on advancements in medication management and are prepared to make informed decisions (de Araújo et al., 2019; Maxwell, 2020). Notably, evaluating and contemplating prescribing practices can help further reduce the likelihood of medication errors.

Conclusion

Prescribing drugs in complex scenarios demands that advanced practice nurses deftly navigate ethical, legal, and cultural considerations with sensitivity and competence. The case of TF, an 18-month-old boy with severe GI issues, highlights the importance of taking a comprehensive approach that considers cultural and religious beliefs while also prioritizing the well-being of the patient.  Having a solid grasp of state-specific regulations, promoting open and honest communication, and utilizing ethical decision-making strategies are crucial aspects of responsible prescribing. In scenarios involving potential medication errors, it is crucial to prioritize transparency and accountability. By following these principles, advanced practice nurses can effectively navigate the complex world of prescribing medications, ensuring optimal patient outcomes while maintaining ethical and legal standards.

References

de Araújo, B. C., de Melo, R. C., de Bortoli, M. C., Bonfim, J. R. de A., & Toma, T. S. (2019). How to Prevent or Reduce Prescribing Errors: An Evidence Brief for Policy. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2019.00439

Haddad, L. M., & Geiger, R. A. (2023). Nursing ethical considerations. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526054/

Maxwell, S. RJ. (2020). Writing prescriptions: how to avoid common errors. Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mpmed.2020.04.005

Minnesota Department of Health. (2023). Consent and Confidentiality Laws in Minnesota – Minnesota Department of Health. Www.health.state.mn.us. https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/adolescent/youth/confidential.html

Peleg, N. (2023, April 6). A Children’s Rights Dilemma – Paternalism versus Autonomy. Brill.com; Brill Nijhoff. https://brill.com/edcollchap-oa/book/9789004511163/BP000003.xml?language=en

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What type of drug should you prescribe based on your patient’s diagnosis? How much of the drug should the patient receive? How often should the drug be administered? When should the drug not be prescribed? Are there individual patient factors that could create complications when taking the drug? Should you be prescribing drugs to this patient? How might different state regulations affect the prescribing of this drug to this patient?

Ethical and Legal Implications of Prescribing Drugs

These are some of the questions you might consider when selecting a treatment plan for a patient.

As an advanced practice nurse prescribing drugs, you are held accountable for people’s lives every day. Patients and their families will often place trust in you because of your position. With this trust comes power and responsibility, as well as an ethical and legal obligation to “do no harm.” It is important that you are aware of current professional, legal, and ethical standards for advanced practice nurses with prescriptive authority. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the treatment plans and administration/prescribing of drugs are in accordance with the regulations of the state in which you practice. Understanding how these regulations may affect the prescribing of certain drugs in different states may have a significant impact on your patient’s treatment plan. In this Assignment, you explore the ethical and legal implications of scenarios and consider how to appropriately respond.