Can doctors go against hospital policy?

[bellehill]

We have a debate going on in my critical care unit and I would love some opinions. Our manager states that the doctors are able to write orders which go against hospital policy and we are to follow these orders. She told us that the doctor would be liable if something happened because it was their order; I disagree. Policies are in place for a reason and if we don't follow them what is the point of having them? My manager's rationale is that this specific policy was up for review and was going to be changed next month. What do you all think? Do the physician orders trump a hospital approved policy?

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

Nope, generally speaking, I would not follow an order that goes against protocol. The buck stops at you. You have your own license on the line. The hospital's malpractice insurance will ONLY cover you if you're acting within the protocols established. Protocols definitely overrule an order. If I'm not going to carry out an order, I let the doctor know that, and why I won't be. They're more than welcome to come do whatever it is on their own. They risk me writing them up if it's something ridiculous, cruel, or inappropriate, though.

[bellehill, RN]

Thanks everyone for your replies. The general consensus is that the physician is responsible but I don't believe that is how a lawyer would see it. As long as there is a policy, I will be following the policy like I was taught.