Moral Distress Type A: Ethical Dilemmas

With the moral agent being a health professional, this ethical problem would be considered moral distress type A. The health professional knows what is wrong but due to constraints, is unable to make a change. Health professionals want to assist their patients but cannot due to the classification of the drug. Moral agents want to pursue the morally correct course of action by helping someone in pain find a sufficient pain medication. Moral agents have limited authority within their practice because they are constrained by laws that prohibit prescribing marijuana to patients. As well as having a moral agent within the ethical problem there is also a locus of authority. This is when conflict arises from an ethical debate of who should have the

The government decides whether medical marijuana should be legal or not which limits the autonomy of the patient and the health professional, bringing about moral distress type A. Morally right actions of prescribing medical marijuana to patients in pain are being blocked by government policies. Moral distress type A could also be caused by an internal barrier caused by a fear of repercussions. Physicians could face criminal charges if they were to follow what they believe to be the morally correct course of action. Wanting to prescribe patients beneficial medical marijuana treatment and lacking the knowledge or strength to take a stand can heighten the moral distress. Alleviating moral distress would require support from those who feel they have moral agency in this situation because it is important for individuals to band together to enact laws and bring about

Patients should have the autonomy to choose a beneficial medication when other medications options are insufficient. Health professionals also need to exercise their right to professional autonomy in order to act with the best judgment on behalf of patients who would benefit from using medical marijuana. When considering how far beneficence should go, patient’s autonomy will be taken into consideration as well as the professional’s judgment. If the patient is not interested in pursuing medical marijuana as an alternative medication then they have the right to deny that course of action. The patient should also have the option to express autonomy as to whether they want certain medications such as marijuana, because in most states patients do not have that right. Currently patients, lack moral agency because they are unable to make the decision as to whether they want to use medical marijuana or not. As well as autonomy, fidelity and veracity are other principles within this principle-based approach. Being faithful to the patient’s expectations is extremely important. Patients expect veracity and full disclosure of possible treatment options from their caregivers. A caregiver’s job is to provide options that will help relieve pain and give the patient the best experience possible. This is not possible due to the current laws set in place. Legalizing medical