Friday, October 25, 2013

Takes a Little Luck

With the Colts draft of Andrew Luck, the “Peyton Era” officially came to an end. Last week’s defeat of Peyton Manning’s Denver Broncos solidified this even further. Andrew Luck is officially the “new sheriff in town,” and while he can never completely replace #18, Luck has already established himself as a true professional both on and off the field. As only a second year quarterback, Luck has surpassed what many (including Colts fans) thought was possible on the field. More importantly, while off the field, Luck carries himself with a sense of humility and respect for those who came before him and compete against him. Luck does not attempt to make himself bigger than the game, which is often what highly touted athletes do these days. Instead, he simply goes about his business and truly seems to appreciate the opportunity he has been given. As Colts fans, we are extremely “Luck”y to replace one legend with someone who is sure to be another.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Physician Not Responsible for Negligence of Advanced Nurse Practitioner Absent Direct Supervision of Care in Question

Harper v. Hippensteel, (2013 Ind. App. Lexis 462 Sept. 25, 2013)

Plaintiff brought a medical negligence case against an advanced practice nurse and physician who had entered into a collaborative practice agreement for prescriptive authority. The trial court granted summary judgment to the physician before the case was presented to the Medical Review Panel. The trial court concluded that the physician did not owe a duty to the patient, because no physician/patient relationship existed between the physician and the patient. The Indiana Court of Appeals agreed that the fact that the physician never saw the patient, spoke to the patient or conferred with the advanced practice nurse regarding the patient's care established the absence of a physician/patient relationship in this case. The Court of Appeals also concluded that neither the advanced practice nursing statute nor the terms of the collaborative practice agreement created liability for the physician in the absence of facts demonstrating that the physician was actually involved in the treatment and decisions concerning the particular patient. Thus, the Court of Appeals upheld summary judgment in the favor of the physician, leaving the patient with only a claim against the advanced practice nurse.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Indianapolis is Very "Luck-y"

The next three weeks will prominently display Indianapolis' new prize quarterback, Andrew Luck. And on Sunday October 20, the city will also get to welcome back our beloved quarterback, Peyton Manning.

As a season ticket holder from Day 1 of the Colts tenure in Indianapolis in 1984, there is no way to overstate how Peyton Manning transformed the Colts, and our entire city. Peyton lead our team with great success on the field, and total class. (He was joined in that classy approach by Tony Dungy, Jeff Saturday, Gary Brackett, Dwight Freeney, and many others). The entire country came to associate the Colts with Indy as a great team, made up of great people.

Now, after one down year when Peyton was injured, the Colts have a new face of the franchise, Andrew Luck. After many years of struggling as a franchise, Indianapolis has truly been living a dream to get to see two of the best quarterbacks ever (which is where Luck will also rank in 15 years) back to back.

Our city is so blessed and so proud to have had Peyton Manning, and now Andrew Luck, lead our football team - and display the Hoosier values that make Indiana such a great place to live.