Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026
05:56
Monitoring Lung Function with Electrical Impedance Tomography in the Intensive Care Unit
Published on: September 6, 2024
6.4K
Care of an undocumented immigrant: Case and comment
1Department of Neurology, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY; and Law School, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
Neurology. Clinical Practice
|February 15, 2018
Summary
This commentary discusses healthcare access for undocumented immigrants with neuromyelitis optica facing restrictive state laws. It explores legal exceptions for emergency care and ethical conflicts for clinicians.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Immigration Law
- Neurology
Background:
- State laws may restrict medical services for undocumented immigrants.
- Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a rare autoimmune disease affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord.
- Undocumented immigrants face unique challenges in accessing healthcare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the implications of state laws on healthcare access for undocumented immigrants with NMO.
- To examine legal provisions for emergency medical care and life-saving treatments.
- To discuss the ethical considerations for clinicians navigating legal and professional obligations.
Main Methods:
- This is a commentary, not a primary research study.
- Analysis of existing state legislation regarding medical services for undocumented individuals.
- Review of professional ethical guidelines for clinicians.
Main Results:
- State laws may permit or mandate care in specific emergency situations.
- Clinicians may face ethical dilemmas balancing patient needs with immigration laws.
- The duty to stabilize emergency medical conditions and protect life/safety are key legal considerations.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare access for undocumented immigrants with NMO is complex, influenced by state laws.
- Legal frameworks often include exceptions for emergency and life-preserving care.
- Addressing ethical tensions requires careful consideration of both legal requirements and professional duties.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-I
2.8K
An interdisciplinary team includes many healthcare professionals working together and utilizing their skills, knowledge, and expertise to provide holistic and quality patient care.
Physicians
The physician's primary responsibility is to diagnose illness and direct the medical or surgical treatment of the condition. The authority to admit patients to a healthcare agency or institution and practice care within that setting is granted to physicians by the healthcare agency or institution...
Physicians
The physician's primary responsibility is to diagnose illness and direct the medical or surgical treatment of the condition. The authority to admit patients to a healthcare agency or institution and practice care within that setting is granted to physicians by the healthcare agency or institution...
2.8K
01:18Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-II
2.3K
An interdisciplinary team includes many healthcare professionals working together and utilizing their skills, knowledge, and expertise to provide holistic and quality patient care. Here are a few more healthcare professionals.
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist (PT) aims to restore function or prevent additional impairment in a patient following an injury or disease. Massage, heat, cold, water, sonar waves, exercises, and electrical stimulation are some treatments used by PTs to treat...
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist (PT) aims to restore function or prevent additional impairment in a patient following an injury or disease. Massage, heat, cold, water, sonar waves, exercises, and electrical stimulation are some treatments used by PTs to treat...
2.3K
01:25Continuing Care
2.0K
Continuing care describes the variety of health, personal, and social services provided over a prolonged period. The need for continuing care is increasing because people are living longer. Many people do not have families or others to care for them. Continuing care is mainly for patients who are disabled, functionally dependent, or suffering from a terminal disease. It is available within institutional settings or in homes. Examples include nursing centers or facilities, assisted living,...
2.0K
01:22Standards of Care I
1.2K
Federal statutes profoundly impact nursing practice, providing critical guidelines to ensure patient care is equitable, accessible, and of the highest quality. The following laws address distinct aspects of healthcare provision and patient rights:
1.2K
01:24Ostomy Care
2.2K
Introduction
An ostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an artificial opening from the intestines to the outside of the body, allowing for the rerouting of effluent. This opening is known as a stoma. A stoma usually protrudes above the skin surface, appearing pink or red, moist, and round, and it lacks nerve sensations.
There are different types of ostomies, including colostomies, ileostomies, and urostomies:
An ostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an artificial opening from the intestines to the outside of the body, allowing for the rerouting of effluent. This opening is known as a stoma. A stoma usually protrudes above the skin surface, appearing pink or red, moist, and round, and it lacks nerve sensations.
There are different types of ostomies, including colostomies, ileostomies, and urostomies:
2.2K
01:19Standards of Care II
1.1K
Nurses bear specific legal responsibilities under several federal statutes, including:
1.1K