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. 1988 Apr-May;18(2):S26-32.

Legal risks and responsibilities of physicians in the AIDS epidemic

George J Annas
  • PMID: 11650068

Legal risks and responsibilities of physicians in the AIDS epidemic

George J Annas. Hastings Cent Rep. 1988 Apr-May.

Abstract

KIE: Existing law in the United States applicable to physicians' obligations to treat AIDS and HIV-infected patients is summarized and ways are identified to strengthen current law so that these obligations are more sharply defined. Courts have affirmed an obligation to treat both in limited emergency situations and within the consensual physician patient relationship. Also, physicians may assume contractual obligations to entire groups of patients under employment contracts with hospitals and prepaid health plans and by agreements for Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement. Annas describes antidiscimination statutes as limited in scope and suggests ways to strengthen them. He maintains that physicians have special legal obligations because society has granted them special privileges, and he supports delineation and enforcement of ethical obligations by organized medicine, state licensing boards, hospitals, and medical schools.

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