Discuss the “at-will” doctrine as it applies to the medical field. Scenario: Mr. Con Fused has been an employee at Regional Hospital for the past five years. His employment there was recently terminated. The reason for the termination was: Inability to follow instructions. However, Regional has adopted an “at-will” policy. So in reality, no reason has to be given for the termination. Never the less, Mr. Fused was very upset at his termination….so upset, that he went to the media with his story.

Scenario for Post 1

You work for the human resources department at Regional. The hospital attorney is preparing for a news conference regarding the termination of Mr. Fused. In an effort to help the attorney, you draft justifications for an “at-will” termination of a hospital employee. What are your reasons for supporting this policy? Your job is to convince the public that this is a necessary and useful policy.

Scenario for Post 2

Now you work for a public advocacy group that has decided to help Mr. Fused. You hold a news conference in response to the hospital’s news conference. What flaws do you find in the hospital’s position? Why is “at-will” wrong for the medical industry?

Scenario for Post 3

Choose which side seems more logical to you? Should the medical industry abide by an “at-will” doctrine? Why / why not?