Legal/Ethical

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Specializes in Nurse Anesthetist.

Does anyone know if it is the "law" and where I can actually read about it, to as whether a surgeon/CRNA/MDA etc. can perform duties on a spouse, own child, father, etc.

Can we do the anesthesia on a family member?

I kinda get that it could be unethical, but what are your thoughts?

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Specializes in ICU, currently in Anesthesia School.

Although not illegal per se in any state that I am aware of, it would constitute serious bad juju ethically-not just "could be" unethical.

The only scenario in which it might be remotely appropriate would be a emergent surgery in a facility where you are the sole provider and no chance of transfer or relief.

Even then, if it were mi familia on the table, I would have an incredibly hard time not being distracted just due to the emotions involved- superhuman I ain't. What if, God forbid, that family have a complication and/or die, could you live with yourself?

All around Supremely BAD idea IMHO.

BTW- Checked out the practice manual/ehtics code for the AANA, and they seemed quiet on the subject.

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I also have never heard of it actually being illegal anywhere, but it is universally considered seriously unethical. The idea is that you (human beings, in general) cannot be depended upon to be objective and rational enough about a family member or loved one to give your best professional performance, esp. if some sort of complication or emergency were to arise.

I have encountered one situation in my career as a child psych CNS where a psychiatrist father had been dxing and txing (for psych problems) his own child for quite some time -- and clearly doing a v. bad job of it.

As ready4crna? notes, seriously bad juju ...

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Specializes in Nurse Anesthetist.

I was visiting family this weekend in the Spokane area and when someone asked me if I would be able to do their anesthesia, I immediately said, no, not allowed. But then it got me thinking about it. I wonder if anyone does do family members or if it was in fact illegal.

I personally wouldnt be able to concentrate if it was a family member. There are so many things we have to do to people that are uncomfortable or painful, I doubt that I could do a good job. I used to be a PICU nurse before anesthesia school. I saw even those nurses that started to have kids, ended up quitting soon afterwards.

I wonder, are there any other opinions out there? What are your thoughts on this?

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Never thought it was illegal, just not recommended. Its the problem of what would happen if all didn't go well. Not good for either the crna or the family member. imo.

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Bad idea all around.

And though not illegal, most hospitals will have expressed written policies about treating members of your family.

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From a legal standpoint, it's an extremely bad idea.

I would also be looking at your malpractice policy, in addition to your hospital policies, for guidance. There may be some sort of section on ethics and conflicts of interest.

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From a legal standpoint, it's an extremely bad idea.

I would also be looking at your malpractice policy, in addition to your hospital policies, for guidance. There may be some sort of section on ethics and conflicts of interest.

No, there's nothing from a LEGAL standpoint that says you can't do it. It's pretty much just a stupid thing to do.

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Who the hell would want to!!!??? I am telling you now the chance of making a mistake would be greater due to distraction and the consequences would be devestating, keep private private work work and hopfully the twain shall never meet.

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Specializes in Nurse Anesthetist.

I didn't say I wanted to or even was going to, I was wondering if there was a law. Thanks for all of your responses and points of view.

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