Ethics Rx

Ethics Rx is a periodic bulletin designed to clarify interpretation and implementation of VHA policies for which the National Center for Ethics in Health Care is responsible. Each one-page issue provides succinct, timely, practical guidance about a well-defined question of concern to VHA practitioners and managers.

When Must Clinicians Obtain a Separate Consent for Use of Blood Products in the Post-Operative Period? (August 2006) [PDF]

May Clinicians Disclose Health Information Protected Under 38 U.S.C. §7332 to Surrogates? (February 2006) [PDF]

Who May Serve as Witness for Signature Consent for Clinical Treatments and Procedures? (December 2005) [PDF]

Choosing Among Surrogates of the Same Priority (April 2005) [PDF]

How Can Patients Communicate Their Wishes About Life-Sustaining Treatment? (March 2005) [PDF]

Must All Patients Be Asked About Mental Health Advance Directives? (February 2005) [PDF]

May Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) Orders Be Suspended for Surgery? (January 2005) [PDF]

Consent for HIV Testing: Must the Patient's Signature on VA Form 10-0121 Be Witnessed? (December 2004) [PDF]

Clarification of VA Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Policy—Orders Written by Residents (May 2003) [PDF]

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