Question
On May 01, 2011 you were the administrator of a small psychiatric hospital in Ohio.The medical director just met with you to discuss the following
On May 01, 2011 you were the administrator of a small psychiatric hospital in Ohio.The medical director just met with you to discuss the following situation:
"Last night Vasanthi was admitted to the psychiatric hospital.She is delusional, and she believes she is God.She is four months pregnant.She denies she is pregnant, but that God is making her belly bigger.She has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.She denies she is ill.Prior to being hospitalized she was not involved in any prenatal care.She states she wants to return home to save the world from its many demons.There is little evidence that she is a danger to herself but her ability to take care of herself is questionable.The medical director would like her to take antipsychotic medication, but she refuses these saying the medication is poison.The doctor indicates Mary's family disagree whether she should stay in the hospital and whether she should take antipsychotic medication.The medical director states in his opinion the medication would remove her delusions causing her to accept she is pregnant and allow her to adequately care for the baby.In his opinion, without the medication, her psychiatric condition would worsen.There is some evidence that antipsychotic medication can cause birth defects in a small percent of cases.Her religion is opposed to medication of any form."
In March of this year, you receive a notice that Vasanthi's daughter from the above pregnancy is suing the hospital and the medical providers alleging that the antipsychotic medication given to her by the hospital doctors caused her (Vasanthi's daughter) to suffer a facial deformity
Discuss the legal issues in the United States and how would you advise the hospital regarding these events?
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