That depends on your role in careing for the patient. Are you are family member or a paid caregiver? What does the patient want? What is your motivation for not wanting to administer morphine? You'll have to examine why you aren't willing to administer morphine. To me, the patient's wish to have his or her pain controlled (or not) is the key.

If you are talking about a legal right, then I'd say that depends on whether you are working for a family that expects you to control the patient's pain. You'd have to check CA law to find out about that.

Take care,

Carol

Hi Jamie,

I agree with Carol and Dorian. Your situation will depend, to a degree, on your situation, professional status, whether you are a family member and on many other issues. But as Carol points out the patient is your primary concern and doctors and other medical staff’s mantra is to ‘do the patient no harm’ must apply to you too.

To give you an idea about your duty of care (a legal obligation to which I believe you are subject), California Law, and its complexity I think you might find this link on Duty of Care interesting.

I think you need to seek urgent legal advice, to talk to your patient's doctor and your employer.

All my best wishes

Christine

Carol Bradley Bursack, Health Guide

7/ 1/12 2:01pm

Thanks, Dorian - an excellent tip for our community member!

Carol

Christine Kennard, Health Pro

7/ 1/12 2:39pm

Christine! Lol

Carol Bradley Bursack, Health Guide

7/ 1/12 2:56pm

Um, yes, Christine! It's been a long week...My fingers weren't connected to my brain. Obviously, I meant Christine not Dorian. That's what I get for reading the whole list of answers. Perhaps I should rest now wouldn't you think? : )

Take care,

Carol

Christine Kennard, Health Pro

7/ 1/12 5:27pm

Haha Yes have a rest :0)