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Bioethics Keyed to Clark, 9th Ed.
Betancourt v. Trinitas Hospital
Citation:
1 A.3d 823 (2010)Facts
In January 2008, Rueben Betancourt underwent surgery at Trinitas Hospital to remove a malignant tumor. During post-operative recovery, his ventilation tube became dislodged, causing oxygen deprivation that led to anoxic encephalopathy and a persistent vegetative state. After discharge and readmission in July 2008 for renal failure, attempts to place him in another facility failed. By March 2009, Rueben required dialysis three times weekly, ventilator support, and feeding through a tube. He had developed severe decubitus ulcers that progressed to osteomyelitis. Hospital physicians determined that continued treatment was medically futile, unilaterally placed a DNR order, and discontinued dialysis. The Betancourt family, who visited regularly and believed Rueben showed awareness, strongly opposed these decisions. The family’s relationship with the hospital was complicated by their belief that hospital negligence had caused Rueben’s condition and concerns about an unpaid $1.6 million hospital bill.
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