Note: I know we are not lawyers, and no input will be considered as legal counsel. I just want to know if I have reason to be concerned.
I work for a 1 doctor/1 nurse practitioner family practice. We have a patient who we strongly suspect is mixing her controlled substances with alcohol. She has come in several times appearing to be intoxicated. Today she was slurring her words and appeared to be unsteady on her feet. Every time she has had an appointment for the past 3 months, she has presented similar to this.
My question is if the practice can be held liable for allowing her to drive in this condition. I know bars can be found at fault for allowing intoxicated patrons to drive. Can a doctor's office also be liable (because we prescribe the drugs)? I know that she has sometimes left the appointment to pick up her grandchildren from school.
If we say the practice isn't liable should she have an accident on the road, are we negligent if we continue to prescribe her medication, knowing it may be mixed with alcohol?
It's really been worrying me, but I don't want to go to my office manager without seeing if I'm reading too much into things.
Again, I know nothing presented will constitute legal advice, I'm just asking for opinions. Thanks.
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Legal Question regarding a patient