Guidelines For Offering Prayer With Patients
Is it ok to pray with patients as a medical professional? Generally speaking in the United States, it is legal to pray with patients. There are some ethical considerations to keep in mind. Also, it is important to check your facility’s policies to ensure you remain compliant. It is vital that we keep in mind the right of every person to be treated equally regardless of religion or worldview. Additionally, patients are a captive audience in a medical setting. It is not a public space where they can easily walk away if they choose. Thus, we must respect their right to access medical care without proselytization. Always ask a patient if they would like you to pray with them in a way that allows them to say no. "Would you like me to offer a prayer?" Instead of "Let's pray about it." Do not pray for a patient publicly if they are not alert and oriented enough to agree to it. You can always pray for them privately in your mind. Also, be wary of praying for a patient p...