Medical Aid vs. Enforcement of Law: The Role of Doctors and Police in Hospital Settings

This article explores the complex relationship between doctors and law enforcement when the latter is involved in a patient's care. Often, a delicate balance must be struck between providing medical aid and ensuring public safety. This piece delves into the circumstances under which a doctor can request the presence of police and when the police can legally remain on hospital grounds.

Can Police Be Ordered Off Hospital Grounds?

When a doctor feels that the police are interfering with their ability to treat a patient, they cannot formally order the police to leave hospital grounds. Police officers typically remain outside the patient's room to ensure the suspect does not attempt to escape. Suspects have been known to fake illnesses such as seizures to evade capture, making constant supervision necessary.

In instances where a patient might be in imminent danger from a suspect, the police will provide a secure environment for the medical staff to perform their duties. However, doctors should not expect to fully remove law enforcement from the hospital. A cooperative relationship between medical and law enforcement personnel is essential for effective care and public safety.

Why Are Doctors and Nurses Often Loyal to Police?

The medical profession and law enforcement often develop a mutual respect and understanding. Many ED (Emergency Department) staff have personal connections with police, either as friends or family members. For example, a doctor or nurse who is married to a police officer may have a particularly good working relationship with officers.

This solidarity between medical and law enforcement personnel extends to practical considerations such as ensuring medical care for officers who might get injured on duty. Most doctors and nurses do not issue tickets to law enforcement officers, recognizing the critical role they play in ensuring public safety. In turn, police officers often treat medical staff like colleagues, valuing their insights and perspectives on patient care.

Law Enforcement and Patient Treatment: A Shared Responsibility

When dealing with patients who are under arrest, such as suspects with mental health issues or individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol, doctors and nurses often benefit from the presence of police. These patients can be unpredictable and potentially violent, making it safer to have a law enforcement officer present during treatment.

Despite occasional tensions, doctors and nurses generally do not view law enforcement as adversaries. In situations where the police must intervene, it is a shared responsibility to ensure that both medical care and public safety are prioritized. This collaborative approach is crucial in complex hospital settings.

The Incident of the Activist Doctor in NC

There have been rare instances where conflict has erupted between medical professionals and law enforcement. For example, a liberal activist ER doctor in North Carolina attempted to stop a blood draw on a suspect in custody. Not only was the doctor arrested and later fired from the hospital, but they also lost their medical license.

These incidents highlight the potential dangers and consequences of interfering with legal procedures in a medical setting. Doctors and nurses should be cognizant of the legal and ethical boundaries when interacting with law enforcement.

Conclusion

The relationship between doctors and police in hospital settings is a testament to the importance of collaboration between different professions. While medical aid and law enforcement intervention can sometimes seem in conflict, the shared goal of providing safe and effective care ensures a positive working environment. Mutual respect and understanding, alongside clear communication, are key to maintaining this delicate balance.