When Ethical Decisions Made by Physicians Are Questioned
Respected former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart served as an influential swing vote in many consequential decisions that continue to shape the lives of Americans today. He once mused that “Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do.” Physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers are no strangers to this push and pull that occurs when an individual grapples with personal and professional ethics in potentially life-altering ways. The consequences of this internal battle can be consequential for patients and for physicians themselves.
If you are a healthcare professional whose ethical choices are being scrutinized by your state’s licensing board, know that you are not alone. In today’s polarized political and social environment, more and more doctors are having their ethical approaches called into question. Speak with our Professional License Defense Team today by calling 888-535-3686 or by contacting the LLF National Law Firm online to learn about how we can help.
When Ethical Concerns Put a Physician’s License at Risk
Laws like Tennessee’s Medical Ethics Defense Act are becoming increasingly commonplace. This legislation allows healthcare providers to refuse to pay for or participate in healthcare services that violate their “sincerely held ethical, moral, or religious beliefs.” Understandably, however, the personal conscience of a particular physician or nurse is not necessarily mirrored by the unique conscience of each patient or prospective patient. Therefore, physicians and other healthcare providers in states that have enacted such laws are increasingly being questioned by those who have been denied care as a result of these legal protections. For example, a recent high-profile case in Tennessee involves an unwed expectant mother who is frustrated by local professionals’ refusal to provide her with prenatal care as a result of her marital status.
When patients and/or fellow providers are angered by a professional’s exercise of their right to refuse care on ethical grounds, they may file a complaint with a state’s medical licensing board. If not handled with care, the process of resolving a licensure complaint could end unfavorably and ultimately damage a healthcare professional’s hard-earned career, regardless of laws on the books designed to protect their right to preserve the integrity of their personal conscience.
Legal Assistance Is Available
If you have either been notified that you are under investigation by a state licensing board or you suspect that you might be subjected to scrutiny soon, it is important to take steps to preserve your rights and your career. The respected Professional License Defense Team at the LLF National Law Firm represents the interests of healthcare professionals nationwide in situations just like yours. You don’t have to fight for your right to behave ethically and within the bounds of the law on your own. We’re here to help.
Given the stakes of your circumstances, the time to act is now. Tell us about your case today by calling 888-535-3686 or by contacting us online. We look forward to working with you.