Ask Your Judge To Prescribe

The American Medical Association's Code of Medical Ethics can also serve as a supporting document. The Code encourages physicians to act in the best interests of patients when making decisions about allocation of resources, and to refrain from treatments that are either unnecessary or futile.

Dr. Hanson is a forensic psychiatrist and co-author of Shrink Rap: Three Psychiatrists Explain Their Work. The opinions expressed are those of the author only, and do not represent those of any of Dr. Hanson's employers or consultees, including the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene or the Maryland Division of Correction.