The Department of Health was so impressed by the advice that you gave on the vaccine problem, they have asked for your
advice on another issue. Hospitals in your state have reported an uptick in the number of patients who have been refusing treatment,
up to and including life-sustaining support and treatment. Some of the hospitals are asking the department for an official informed
refusal policy, similar to informed consent policies, to help guide them in these cases. Keep in mind that the policy would only apply to
adult patients. How do you advise the department to proceed? What are the requirements for an informed refusal? What are the
barriers to informed refusal? What suggestions do you have to ensure that people’s refusals are autonomous? Make sure that you use
the course readings to support your answer. (Minimum word count: 1000 words)
Sample Solution
