Question

At a basic level, the physician-patient relationship is governed by state “medical practice acts,” as well as the licensure, certification and accreditation requirements applicable to the given practice/physician. Please review the following “Pathway to Licensure” schematic for an overview of the licensure process (hyperlink/import schematic into Canvas, attached) prepared by the Federation of State Medical Boards. Based on the numerous requirements imposed on physicians prior to treating patients, does it surprise you to learn that physicians have the right to select the patients they wish to treat? Do you think this good health policy? Why or why not? Is there an ethical issue involved in addition to a health policy issue? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Answer: No, it doesn't surprise me that physician has right to treat patients they wish to treat. Because sometimes physicians didn't find the treatment appropriate, or they themselves are not sure about the treatment of the patient. So, in this kind of cases, physician can select the patient they want to treat.

Yes, ofcourse it's a good health policy, as if physician knows that he won't be able to treat the patient, he won't do it. The main ethical issues are involved in the health policy is to treat people with equality, but if the physician knows that he cannot treat the particular disease of can't able to handle the situation or case, he may refuse it and advice any other physicians. And ethically it is good for the patient itself, that there treatment will be done with more experienced physician.