Policy Discussions
Revised posiiton statement: Self-Treatment and Treatment of Family Members
Discussion Ends on 02/28/2025
2.2.3: Self-Treatment and Treatment of Family Members
Treating oneself or a family member presents unique and significant challenges, including risks to professional objectivity, concerns about patient autonomy, and difficulties ensuring informed consent. These factors can lead to ethical and practical dilemmas that compromise the quality of care.
The North Carolina Medical Board enforces rules 21 NCAC 32B.1001, 32S.0212, and 32M.0109, which strictly prohibit licensees from prescribing controlled substances, including all narcotics, to themselves and their immediate family members under any circumstance.
Furthermore, it is the position of the Board that licensees should not prescribe non-controlled medications or manage chronic conditions for themselves, their immediate family members, or those with significant emotional ties. In these situations, professional objectivity is at risk, and personal feelings may unduly influence clinical judgment, thereby interfering with the delivery of optimal care. In addition, family members may hesitate to express a preference for another physician or decline a recommendation due to a fear of causing offense.
There are, however, limited and specific situations where treatment of oneself or a family member may be acceptable:
1. Emergency Conditions. In an emergency situation, when no other qualified licensee is available, it is acceptable for licensees to treat themselves or their family members until another licensee becomes available.
2. Urgent Situations. There may be instances when licensees or family members do not have their prescribed medications or easy licensee access. It may be appropriate for licensees to provide short term prescriptions.
3. Acute Minor Illnesses Within Clinical Competence. While licensees should not serve as primary or regular care providers for themselves or their family members, there are certain situations in which care may be acceptable. Examples would be treatment of antibiotic-induced fungal infections or prescribing ear drops for a family member with external otitis. It is the expectation of the Board that licensees will not treat recurrent acute problems.
4. Over-the-Counter Medication. This Position Statement is not intended to prevent licensees from suggesting over-the-counter medications or other non-prescriptive modalities for themselves or family members, as a lay person might.
Licensees who act in accord with this Position Statement will be held to the same standard of care applicable to licensees providing treatment for patients who are unrelated to them. Thus, licensees should not treat problems beyond their expertise or training.
The Board expects licensees to maintain an appropriate medical record documenting any care that is given. It is also prudent for the licensee to provide a copy of the medical record to the patient’s provider.
Licensees who inappropriately treat themselves, their family members, or others with whom they have a significant emotional relationship should be aware that they may be subject to disciplinary action by the Board.
References
Comments
No comments have been approved yet.
