Tzitz Eliezer - Can You Force A Doctor To Treat a Patient?
If a doctor refuses to treat someone because the person is unable to pay, may Bais Din force the doctor to heal the person? The Tshuva MeiAhava (Talmid of the Noda b'Yehudah) says that if a Mohel refuses to circumcise a child unless he receives payment the Bais Din may force the Mohel to circumcise the child (Shulchan Aruch YD 261:1) , so too Bais Din may force a doctor to heal a patient if he refuses to treat the patient unless he receives payment.
However, the Tzitz Eliezer (14:27) points out that Bais Din may only force the Mohel to circumcise the child if there are no other Mohalim available to circumcise the child. Therefore the Tzitz Eliezer rules that the Bais Din may only force the doctor to treat the patient if there are no other doctors who are available to provide the service.
Important Note: We try to convey the Tshuva to the best of our ability. We admit that our understanding may not be accurate. Please also understand that this Tshuva may not be the final word on this topic. One should consult a Rav before drawing any conclusions.
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