Hydration at the end of life may be much less beneficial than generally assumed, but the emotional significance of nourishment to caregiving should not be underestimated.
Physicians need to help surrogate decision makers to make treatment and end-of-life decisions for those with severe neurological damage by proving a realistic prognosis and maintain strong lines of communication.
Three reports considered by the Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs are described, along with the process for revising the AMA's Code of Medical Ethics and trivia about contraceptive use.
Dr Cynthia Geppert joins Ethics Talk to discuss her article: “How Should MLP Clinicians and Attorneys Help Veterans Secure Disability Benefits When Health Records Documentation Is Insufficient?”