say if a person is depressed and isnt hurting anyone or terrorizing the neighbor hood would a dr only go on a family members word due to tapping his conversations and video tapes. All without this persons knowledge. can they have someone put medication into food say like a spouse or friend,
2007-09-24 21:56:10 · 4 answers · asked by terry 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
No. A physician cannot legally treat a patient without his/her consent. The exceptions would be when the family member is incompetent to make decisions on their own behalf, and there should be a power of attorney in place, for a relative to make these decisions. A doctor can also be court ordered to perform certain procedures and treatments. There are social workers and advocates that can help you with these type questions. If you have a relative that is going to need extensive care in the near future, the time to take action is NOW, to prepare yourself for the legal ramifications to come.
Depending on the person's mental well being and health issues, medication may be administered without the patients knowledge.
2007-09-25 00:15:58 · answer #1 · answered by ~RedBird~ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if a person is mentally incapable of making their own medical decisions,is a danger to themselves or others and ends up in the emergency room or a hospital setting, then yes the dr can treat that patient w/out permission.
if the patient is of sound mind (even if depressed) and can make their own medical decisions-the dr is not allowed to go against that person's wishes. the only time a family member can make a decision for someone else is if there is a medical power of attorney assigned or if the person has filled out paperwork designating a family member to make decisions for that specific hospital stay but only in the event that they suddenly become incapable of making their own decisions!!
friends have no say-so unless they are medical power of attorney OR the patient has given them permission to make medical decisions beforehand.
hope this helps
2007-09-25 05:03:57 · answer #2 · answered by prncessang228 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
all the doctors can do on your familys word is an assessment of you, if from that they take it further that is the doctor's decision.
Puttinf medication in food is wrong, if that person goes out drinking the result of that can be fatal, the person on the medication must know what they are taking and why.
2007-09-25 07:07:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Sneaking anything into your food is not good.
Is the person a risk to themselves? Then you can be treated against your will.
2007-09-25 05:03:06 · answer #4 · answered by Susan M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋