Introduction

Perhaps the most difficult of all professional responsibilities is the evaluation and supervision of one’s peers.  This task is even more difficult when it arises not as an ordinary part of teamwork, but through the sudden and unwelcome awareness of another’s professional misconduct or impairment. Further, a student under an Honor Code has signed a pledge to carry out this difficult responsibility or face personal repercussions. It is more likely that this type of problem will be constructively addressed when each professional is prepared to competently identify and respond to the difficulties of other professionals.

1. To identify and discuss ethical issues involved in reporting impaired colleagues.
2. To state and justify a response to the suspicion of substance abuse by a colleague.
3. To understand the legal issues surrounding the reporting of a colleague’s impairment.

1. First use the readings to familiarize yourself with the State and Hospital Policies and reread the Honor Code.
2. Read the cases and be prepared to discuss the actions you would take if faced with any of them.
3. Suggestions for papers this week:
• You can discuss what you would do in this week’s case, stating the ethical issues involved in your decision
• You could write an editorial on the SOM student honor code.
• You can do a review of this weeks journal article or one of your own choosing. 

Class today begins in lecture. Dr. Eugene Thiessen, a retired physician and member of the MCS faculty will discuss physician impairment and recovery.  Following this presentation we will adjourn to section and we recommend that you consider these questions in order:

1. What ethical issues should Tom consider when deciding what to do about Stacy?
2. What legal issues are involved in this case?
3. How does the Honor Code govern this case?
4. Finally, review your initial written responses in light of the presentation and discussion.

1. What are some arguments for reporting Stacy to some higher authority?  What are some arguments against reporting her?
2. If Stacy were to somehow injure a patient would this constitute medical malpractice? What other legal issues would be involved? (Recall that for negligence there must be a duty, a breach of duty, harm, and causation of harm.)
3. What consequences could Tom face for not reporting Stacy?  Could Tom be held legally liable if she injured a patient and he had done nothing about it?How should Stacy’s different “excuses” for her behavior in the epilogue to the story justify her conduct? How should they affect the penalty she should face?  What circumstances do you think she should face in each of the scenarios?
4. How should Stacy’s different “excuses” for her behavior in the epilogue to the story justify her conduct? How should they affect the penalty she should face?  What circumstances do you think she should face in each of the scenarios?