Both Senator Frist and Representive Weldon are licensed doctors. As such, they are subject to the ethical standards of their professions when arguably operating in their capacity as physicians in matters of medical judgement. They both questioned, contradicted in fact, Terri Schaivo's medical diagnosis in the media. Could they be subject to discipline by their respective medical boards?
I don't claim any expertise in this area. One of the great things about dKos is that there also always is someone who is an expert.
AMA Rule E-5.04 Communications Media: Standards of Professional Responsibility states:
Physicians are ethically and legally required to protect the personal privacy and other legal rights of patients. When information concerning a specific patient is requested by the media, the physician must obtain the consent of the patient or an authorized representative before releasing such information. The physician may release only the authorized information or that which is public knowledge. The patient-physician relationship and its confidential nature must be maintained. With these considerations in mind, the physician may assist the representatives of the media in every way possible. When the patient or authorized representative consents to the release of information, physicians should cooperate with the press to ensure that medical news is available more promptly and more accurately than would be possible without their assistance. Inasmuch as a diagnosis may be made only by a physician and may depend upon X-ray and laboratory studies, no statement regarding diagnosis should be made except by or on behalf of the attending physician. For the same reason, prognosis will be given only by the attending physician or at the attending physician's direction. Statements regarding the circumstances surrounding shootings, knifings, and poisonings are properly police matters, and questions whether they were accidental should be referred to the appropriate authorities. Certain news that is part of the public record, such as deaths, may be made available without the consent of the patient or authorized representative. (IV) Issued prior to April 1977; Updated June 1994 and June 1996.
It seems that there is enough here for a complaint against both doctors. Has anyone out there ever filed an ethics complain before and want to take a shot at making some news?