Topic 2

A 45-year-old wife of one of the staff physicians was admitted to the emergency room. She is intoxicated and loud. Her husband wants her admitted to the psychiatric unit. He has asked to have two other physicians that are his friends to sign the paper work to admit her. In New York State where the hospital is located two physicians can admit a patient against their will if they are a danger to themselves or others. You happen to be a neighbor and know that the couple is going through a divorce and the husband wants custody of the two children. You also know he is dating a nurse on another unit. Differentiate between the ethical and legal implications of her admission. What actions will you take? Support your decisions with legal reasoning and case law