Search

Background: Recent advances in technology have allowed for innovative targeting of high-risk alcohol users.Objectives: We propose the implementation of an alcohol purchase license linked to a state agency managed database, or so-called Banned Drinker Register (BDR).Methods: Individuals who are unable to drink safely will be identified by a well-founded criterion and their ability to purchase alcohol proscribed. A state agency will be responsible for maintaining the BDR and compiling mandated reports from hospitals, courts, police and child protective agencies of alcohol-related dangerous behavior, adjudicating reports with the input of those involved in these events, and determining which individuals will not be allowed to purchase alcohol. Outlets of alcohol sales will then be required to assess customers for eligibility of alcohol purchase using an electronic card reader (as used for age verification). Individuals wanting to protect themselves from drinking may also self-request to be placed on the BDR.Results: Overall, the convenience/access for persons who injure themselves with alcohol and others with intoxicated behavior would be reduced. Opportunities for cost savings would come from a decrease in yearly incarcerations, a reduction in preventable traffic accidents and property damage requiring state municipal intervention, a decreased cost to offending individuals by preventing increased insurance rates, loss of jobs to incarceration and loss of potential future wages, and the possibility of preventing long term medical complications of chronic alcohol use and its toll on the health care system.Conclusions: Health benefits will include increased public safety and awareness about drinking consequences and reduced alcohol-related morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors propose the application of realist ontology (RO) as a link between bioethics and data-driven inquiry. They also discuss the benefits of utilizing RO in design bioethics including the standardization of data collection, the interoperability of data among parties that use the same ontologies, and the maximization of data analysis and exploitation.

The article discusses the Cognitive Transformation, Dementia, and the Moral Weight of Advance Directives (ADs) Emily Walsh argues that when weighting an AD over the current preferences of a dementia patient (2020). Topics discussed include aim to combine Walsh's considerations with an argument one of adding support to Walsh's conclusion regarding cases of severe dementia; and AD is prudent only insofar as one is highly confident that it is being applied to the person who signed it.