Ethical Implications of Physicians Prescribing Narcotics to Entertainers

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Ethical Implications of Physicians Prescribing Narcotics to Entertainers
In late November 2011, "Dr. Conrad Murray" became a household name. The physician of the late pop star, Michael Jackson, was sentenced to four years in prison for the singer's wrongful death (Duke, 2011). Among the accusations against Murray was the administration of the narcotics propofol, valium, lorazepam, and midazolam -- all within a 30-minute period, which eventually led to Michael Jackson's passing. Murray was ultimately charged with involuntary manslaughter. Throughout the testimony, stories of Michael Jackson's pleading for prescription painkillers, and Murray's granting them, were abundant.
While an extreme case, Michael Jackson's death is one of many...

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