NEED FOR MORPHINE USE DISPUTED

Doctor Notes Cited In Patients' Deaths

FARMINGTON, Utah (AP) -- A physician and pharmacology expert has
testified that none of the patients that psychiatrist Robert A.
Weitzel is accused of killing by morphine overdoses suffered chronic
or acute pain.

Weitzel, 43, is charged with ordering lethal doses of morphine to kill
five elderly patients at the Davis County Hospital and Medical Center.
The deaths occurred during 16 days in December 1995 and January 1996.

University of Utah physician and pharmacology expert Bradford Hare
testified Friday that the patients died from morphine overdoses.

"There really didn't seem to be any diagnosis that warranted the use
of morphine ... we're talking about high doses," Hare said.

Defense attorney Peter Stirba argued that progress notes from patient
medical records show that each patient was in declining health and
that Weitzel was providing "comfort care."

He said the care was supported by the patients or family members. In
at least four cases, the patient or authorized family members had
signed "do-not-resuscitate" orders.

"Family is especially supportive of the measures being given. The
patient's goal was to experience a peaceful death free from
discomfort," Weitzel wrote.

On Thursday, Karen Bringhurst testified that she was surprised when
Weitzel said the condition of her 72-year-old mother, Mary Crane,
suddenly deteriorated and that she would not survive.

"I asked if there was anything we could do," Bringhurst said. "Dr.
Weitzel said, `We can give her some morphine and keep her comfortable
and hasten the inevitable.' "

Crane died the same day after receiving two injections of
morphine.

Weitzel also is facing 22 federal drug charges that he allegedly
ordered pain medications for patients but apparently kept some of the
drugs for his use. The state Division of Occupational and Professional
Licensing also has been investigating the doctor for failing to keep
accurate prescription records for patients he had seen in private
practice through the Red Butte Clinic. In August, the department
suspended Weitzel's medical license.

In another case, the doctor also is under investigation in Texas in
connection with the December 1998 death of Laura Ware of Bay City.
Ware's family members have said they believe Weitzel killed her with a
morphine overdose.

Final arguments in Weitzel's preliminary hearing are scheduled to
continue on Wednesday.