Did Conrad Murray Verdict Set A Precedent For Medically Induced Addiction?
Many people cheered inside and outside the courtroom as Conrad Murray was found guilty of manslaughter for the death of Michael Jackson. However, others watched worried that this verdict may set a precedent that will result in fear for current and future doctors, perhaps even discouraging some bright young minds from entering the field. How can the trial of one apparently grossly negligent doctor cause such ripples of apprehension throughout the entire medical community?
Should Doctors Be Held Criminally Responsible For Patient Fatalities?
The Conrad Murray case, for the first time, calls into question, in a criminal sense, a doctor’s role in addiction caused by prescription medications. Murray was providing Michael Jackson with incredibly potent narcotic that is rarely, if ever, used outside of the operating room for anesthesia and most experts commenting on the case all agree that the use of propofol for insomnia was overkill to say the least. Murray even testified to the fact that Jackson was begging for the drug and he was attempting to wean Jackson off of it, which implies Murray knew Jackson was addicted.
The defense even claimed, in an effort to try to release Murray of responsibility, that Jackson gave himself the final fatal dose after Murray left the room. Even if this were the case, which the defense failed to provide enough proof of this to convince the jury, wouldn’t Murray hold some accountability for Jackson’s death since he is the one who allowed the addiction to take root in the first place?
Hippocratic Oath Refers To Prescription Drug Addiction, Too
There are admittedly many grey areas in the health profession between helping and hurting, but doctor’s take an oath to do no harm and addiction to prescription medications have gotten completely out of control in recent years. Doctor’s know the addictive quality of the medicines they prescribe far better than their patient’s, yet, only the patient seems to be blamed when an addiction develops.
The high profile of Michel Jackson has perhaps called attention to an issue that is skyrocketing and lethal. Until now doctors would only be held financially responsible for harming or even killing patients. Lawyers and insurance companies would battle in most medical cases of negligence over number of dollars owed. To see the inside of a criminal court with prison time on the line is virtually unheard of for doctors.
Of course, physicians can’t put an end to all prescription drug addiction, especially those medications bought and sold illegally. Also what are doctors to do when someone is in need of extreme pain relief and only powerful drugs with potential addiction can get the job done? Where do you think the criminal line should be drawn for doctors over-prescribing drugs? Your ideas and opinions are welcome below.
I don’t think what Dr. Murray did should be compared to any doctor prescribing prescriptions people need. He gave him an anistitic drug that should be given in the hospital. Why blame that on other doctors.