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The Patient Self Determination
Act of 1990 gives adults (the age of majority
in New Jersey is 18 years) the right to refuse medical
treatment, including blood transfusions and blood products.
The law specifically excludes minors. The University
Center for Bloodless Surgery and Medicine will acknowledge
a parent's directive that no blood transfusion be administered
to their child under any circumstances. Our physicians
have agreed to explore and exhaust all non-blood alternatives
in the treatment of children. However, situations can
arise in which the physician may be required by law
to treat a child with blood. This is a New Jersey State
law, and University Hospital is (as are all other hospitals
in the state) bound by this law. These situations are
rare, but parents need to be informed.
The University Center for Bloodless Surgery and Medicine
is committed to the most aggressive attempts possible
to avoid the use of blood. In an effort to open communication
between the medical staff and parents of children enrolled
in the bloodless program, we ask parents to sign an
acknowledgement form that states the following:
- The parent's directive for "no blood" is placed
on the child's chart.
- Elective treatment may be cancelled if the treating
physician determines that blood and/or blood products
may be necessary.
- In urgent, life-threatening situations when the
treating physician determines that the use of blood
products and/or blood transfusion is necessary, he/she
may be required by State Law to pursue a court order.
However, parents will be notified immediately if any
such action is contemplated.
- In the case of an emergency, the medical team will
still do its absolute best to honor your wishes and
treat your child without blood, using all alternatives
available and /or appropriate. However, if in such
a situation the treating physicians determines that
blood is immediately necessary to prevent death or
loss of function of a major organ, the law permits
Ð and may require -- the administration of blood.
- Whenever possible, consultation with or referral
to a physician more experienced in bloodless management
will be undertaken before a court order to administer
blood is sought.
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