Scenario

• A doctor prescribes a dangerous drug for a hospitalized patient. If an incorrect dosage is taken the patient will die. After the patient is discharged, no warning is given to the patient to be careful when taking the drug. In addition, no follow-up is done by the doctor, or the hospital staff, to ensure that the patient is taking the correct dosage. The patient takes a dose in excess of the prescribed amount and dies as a result.

–Was this an act or omission by the doctor or the hospital staff? Why or why not?

–Did the conduct of the doctor or the hospital staff amount to negligence? Why or why not?