Pandemic guideline proposal causing a stir

A proposed state guideline for dealing with an influenza pandemic is causing quite a stir.

The Florida Department of Health is proposing that health care providers, notably hospitals, pull the plug on the most critically-ill patients in order to treat "healthier" patients.

This plan would apply to any influenza outbreak of pandemic proportions including swine flu. However, Governor Charlie Crist would first have to declare a disaster emergency for the plan to kick in.

Right now health officials caution Florida is only dealing with a mild outbreak of the swine flu, but if things got pandemic-bad, Floridians should brace for rationing of hospital beds, equipment and medicine that's if you are allowed admission to the hospital at all.

The DOH says the plan is a supplemental guide to the pandemic influenza plan Florida has had since 2006. A plan outlining what would happen in the worst case scenario.

The plan outlines prevention in the community, like making sure everyone gets a flu shot.

If you get the illness the plan has specific details on how you and other patients could be handled.

Each hospital will have a board of determines who is admitted and whose care is terminated. For example, terminal and end stage patients dealing with advanced cancer, M.S., cardiac arrest and severe burns where the person is not likely to recover, could be denied care in case of a state of emergency.

Patients on ventilators could be taken off of ventilators if given a poor prognosis; that way patients suffering from H1N1 would be given a chance to survive.

"It's a reality and something we call triage something faced almost on a daily basis for example in the military where they have to make decision because of a shortage of supplies," said Dr. James Orlowski, Ethics Chair for University Community Hospital of Tampa.

The state could also ration medications, vaccines, medical equipment and could even re-use medical tools, after they are sterilized.

The plan would also offer immunity from legal action to health workers deciding who get treatment and who doesn't when complying with an executive order.

Florida Hospital and ORMC say they already have pandemic plans in place. No official word on whether their plans would have to change. The draft states this plan applies to all healthcare professionals and facilities if the governor declares a state of emergency.

The Mid Florida Multiple Sclerosis Society is pouring over the draft plan trying to come up with the best way to respond to it. At this point they say there is no such thing as end stage MS. They added that they hope with preparation and prevention health care won't be rationed or triaged.

PDF: Click here to read the proposal

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