ANA and AMA Issue Joint Statement on Criminalizing Medical Decisions

ANA and AMA Issue Joint Statement on Criminalizing Medical Decisions

07/19/07
The American Nurses Association (ANA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) continue to be very concerned about criminalizing decisions about patient care especially those made during the chaotic aftermath of a disaster, when medical personnel and supplies are severely compromised. During any disaster, health care providers - doctors, nurses and others - must work together to make the best decisions that they can given available resources.
Press Release... www.nursingworld.org/pressrel/2007/PR_JOINT_ANA-AMA071707.pdf

This seems to be a good thing, right? Doesn't the "Good Samaritin" rule apply? And I thought a verdict was reached already...that the doctor and nurses were not held liable....am I missing something?

I heard the criminal charges against thenurses were dropped. I did not hear anything about the doctor. The point they are making is the fact that charges were brought in first place is enough to make healthcare professionals think twice about volunteering in future disasters.

I heard the criminal charges against thenurses were dropped. I did not hear anything about the doctor. The point they are making is the fact that charges were brought in first place is enough to make healthcare professionals think twice about volunteering in future disasters.

Exactly.

Many, many nurses and doctors were needed to help out in the aftermath of Katrina. Suppose the local DA decided to prosecute those volunteers for the way that things were done in the ensuing chaos.

Makes you think twice about helping, doesn't it.