Ethical Obligations of Physicians Participating in Public Health Quarantine and Isolation Measures

Abstract

In dealing with outbreaks of communicable diseases, the medical profession should work with public health authorities to promote the use of interventions that achieve desired public health outcomes with minimal infringement upon individual liberties. This article endeavors to help physicians manage their dual responsibilities to their patients and to their communities when participating in appropriate quarantine and isolation measures. In implementing such measures, individual physicians should take necessary actions to promote patients' well-being. In addition, the medical profession and individual physicians share responsibility for taking appropriate precautionary measures to protect the health of individuals caring for patients with communicable diseases.