Controlling the resurgent tuberculosis epidemic: a 50-state survey of TB statutes and proposals for reform
Article Abstract:
It may be time to change public policy regarding the treatment of tuberculosis. In the early 1980's, public health officials thought TB could be eliminated, but the disease has made a comeback since 1985. Especially dangerous are the strains of TB that are resistant to many of the drugs used to treat the disease. The rise of HIV infection and the breakdown in social support services is largely responsible for the new TB epidemic. Most states have laws to detain and treat individuals suspected of having TB, but coercion is not always successful in bringing patients into the health care system and may violate their civil rights. It may be necessary to recreate state facilities to treat TB patients, like the sanatoriums of previous decades. Each patient would be assigned an advocate who would help create an individualized treatment plan and see that the patient's rights are not abused.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1993
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Deciding life and death in the courtroom: from Quinlan to Cruzan, Glucksberg, and Vacco - a brief history and analysis of constitutional protection of the 'right to die'
Article Abstract:
The US Supreme Court has recognized the constitutional right of terminally-ill patients to die, but has found no similar right to be assisted in their death by a physician. Courts have widely upheld the right of patients to refuse treatment, or food and water, even when it causes their death. Despite public and physician support, however, the Court believes there are legitimate state and ethical interests in banning assisted suicide. Although finding no constitutional right to assisted suicide, the Court may uphold state laws which permit it.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Ethical and legal challenges posed by severe acute respiratory syndrome: implications for the control of severe infectious disease threats
Article Abstract:
Ethical and legal recommendations for responding to an infectious disease outbreak are presented, based on the response to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Topics include surveillance and contact tracing, isolation and quarantine, and travel restrictions, and how these measures to protect the general public affect a person's privacy, liberty, and freedom of movement.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2003
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Changing the consent rules for Desert Storm. Control of tuberculosis - the law and the public's health
- Abstracts: The enteroinsular axis revisited: a novel role for an incretin. Islet amyloid and type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Abstracts: Handling complaints in a constructive way. Support for carers. Listening to carers
- Abstracts: Improving treatment outcome in pregnant opiate-dependent women. Treatment of dual diagnosis patients: a relapse prevention group approach
- Abstracts: A deadly duo - TB and AIDS. "The terrible chest." (tuberculosis; includes case studies) (TB: A Global Emergency) (Cover Story)