Relatives as Surrogates
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The Colorado Lawyer (2005)
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Family members often make inappropriate medical treatment decisions when they act as surrogates for relatives. Even with the best of intentions, the medical literature reveals that choices by family members have a poor correlation with what their incapacitated relatives actually wanted.
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Surrogate Decision-Making for "Friendless" Patients
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The Colorado Lawyer (2005)
(requires Adobe Reader. Get it here)
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If a person is mentally unable to make medical care decisions, a substitute decision-maker must do so. As society becomes proportionately older, more people in that situation are likely to also outlive their families and social circles. This article addresses alternative means of substitute decision- making that must then be found.
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Living Wills
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In Philip Kapleau, The Zen of Living and Dying (1998)
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We live in a world of ever-expanding medical treatment options, where more
decisions are the responsibility of patients than ever before. Some of the
most important medical decisions we will ever make arise as we near the end
of our lives. By preparing adequately for death we not only reduce the
decision-making burden on our families, we also engender greater clarity in
ourselves. Here's how to do so.
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Living Organs & Dying Bodies
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Tricycle, The Buddhist Review (1997)
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Organ donation raises many issues for religions beyond mere approval
or prohibition. The methodology of donation intersects with the passage
from this world -- a passage that has always been a fundamental religious
concern. This article attempts to reconcile specific Buddhist religious
teachings about dying, with the needs of organ donors.
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Reconciling Patient Choice with Physician Conscience
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The Colorado Lawyer (1997)
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What happens when the medical treatment to which a patient feels
entitled conflicts with the sincere personal objects of the treating
doctor? A patient has some right to treatment, yet a doctor also has
some right of conscience. These issues will arise more frequently in
our era of galloping technology, with patients who are better educated
consumers. Whose rights prevail? How should doctors respond to these issues?
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