@mancunianmedic @drkathrynmannix @Trisha_the_doc @DrJoMorrison1 @lucypgeridoc @CrimbleEthel @dan26wales @Danielf90 @jupiterhouse1 @DrLindaDykes Okay. Here are 10 basics of healthcare law EVERY clinician should know. [1] You can't give medical treatments to a capacities adult without their consent.
@mancunianmedic @drkathrynmannix @Trisha_the_doc @DrJoMorrison1 @lucypgeridoc @CrimbleEthel @dan26wales @Danielf90 @jupiterhouse1 @DrLindaDykes [2] The fact that someone does not consent to a treatment you are offering and think is in their best interests is NOT evidence of lack of capacity.
@mancunianmedic @drkathrynmannix @Trisha_the_doc @DrJoMorrison1 @lucypgeridoc @CrimbleEthel @dan26wales @Danielf90 @jupiterhouse1 @DrLindaDykes [3] The fact that someone acquiesces to treatment (e.g. lifts shirt to facilitate PEG feed at appropriate time) or assents (e.g. nods/says yes when asked if want PEG feeding) is not evidence of either consent or capacity to consent.
@mancunianmedic @drkathrynmannix @Trisha_the_doc @DrJoMorrison1 @lucypgeridoc @CrimbleEthel @dan26wales @Danielf90 @jupiterhouse1 @DrLindaDykes [4] Clinically assisted nutrition + hydration is a medical treatment. It is not 'basic care'.
@mancunianmedic @drkathrynmannix @Trisha_the_doc @DrJoMorrison1 @lucypgeridoc @CrimbleEthel @dan26wales @Danielf90 @jupiterhouse1 @DrLindaDykes [5] Withdrawing or withholding clinically assisted nutrition + hydration [CANH] in a person's best interests is not euthanasia, murder or assisted dying.
@mancunianmedic @drkathrynmannix @Trisha_the_doc @DrJoMorrison1 @lucypgeridoc @CrimbleEthel @dan26wales @Danielf90 @jupiterhouse1 @DrLindaDykes [6] Sanctity of life is an important consideration in best interests decision-making but can be overridden if there is sufficient evidence to show that the person's values, wishes, beliefs + feelings mean they would not want continued life-sustaining treatment.
@mancunianmedic @drkathrynmannix @Trisha_the_doc @DrJoMorrison1 @lucypgeridoc @CrimbleEthel @dan26wales @Danielf90 @jupiterhouse1 @DrLindaDykes [7] In making a best interests decision, you must consult those who care for the patient and are concerned with his welfare, i.e. family, friends. Ask what they think the person would have wanted/wants now NOT what they want for the person.
@mancunianmedic @drkathrynmannix @Trisha_the_doc @DrJoMorrison1 @lucypgeridoc @CrimbleEthel @dan26wales @Danielf90 @jupiterhouse1 @DrLindaDykes [8] The family (or 'next of kin') are NOT the decision-makers unless they have been appointed with Lasting Power of Attorney for Health + Welfare with the power to make the relevant decision.
@mancunianmedic @drkathrynmannix @Trisha_the_doc @DrJoMorrison1 @lucypgeridoc @CrimbleEthel @dan26wales @Danielf90 @jupiterhouse1 @DrLindaDykes [9] Where there is no family or family are 'inappropriate to consult' you should appoint an IMCA. Family are not 'inappropriate to consult' just because they disagree with you about the patient's best interests.
@mancunianmedic @drkathrynmannix @Trisha_the_doc @DrJoMorrison1 @lucypgeridoc @CrimbleEthel @dan26wales @Danielf90 @jupiterhouse1 @DrLindaDykes [10] A valid and applicable Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment is legally binding - like capacitous contemporaneous refusal. Giving treatments refused in an ADRT can be battery/civil trespass. Do NOT consider ADRT as part of 'best interests'.
@mancunianmedic @drkathrynmannix @Trisha_the_doc @DrJoMorrison1 @lucypgeridoc @CrimbleEthel @dan26wales @Danielf90 @jupiterhouse1 @DrLindaDykes These 10 healthcare legal facts @mancunianmedic are level of legal knowledge I want drs to have - it's not rocket science! I support many families with brain-injured relatives whose doctors (mostly GPs)+ HCPs (mostly in care homes) do NOT know these basic things + so cause HARM.
