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S1·E1 Prescription for Death

Episode
Season 1, Episode 1
Air Date
September 13, 1990
Runtime
48 minutes
Director
John Whitesell
Writer
Ed Zuckerman
Score
7.2/10 (19 TMDB votes)
Story Type
Core Character Arc
Core Aired September 13, 1990 48 min ★ 7.2/10 · 19 TMDB votes
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Synopsis

When a young woman dies during a hectic emergency room night shift, her father claims the hospital was negligent, and an investigation leads the detectives to believe that the doctor treating her may have been drunk on duty.

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Episode recap

The episode opens with the sudden death of a young woman during a busy night shift in a city hospital emergency department. Her death occurs amid the frantic activity that characterizes the unit, and the circumstances quickly become the focus of a grievance filed by her father, who alleges that the hospital failed to provide appropriate care. The claim of negligence prompts the precinct’s homicide detectives to open a formal investigation, setting the procedural tone that defines the series.

Detectives arrive at the hospital to secure the scene and begin a methodical collection of evidence. They interview medical staff, review the patient’s chart, and examine the circumstances surrounding the treatment she received. The father’s accusation directs the inquiry toward the physician who was responsible for the young woman’s care. As the detectives piece together testimony and forensic details, a troubling possibility emerges: the doctor may have been under the influence of alcohol while on duty. The notion of a medical professional operating while intoxicated raises questions about both criminal liability and systemic failures within the health‑care environment.

The investigative team follows leads that include statements from nurses, the hospital’s internal protocols, and any available surveillance or toxicology reports. Their effort illustrates the series’ emphasis on rigorous fact‑finding and the pursuit of accountability, even when the alleged misconduct occurs within a respected institution. Once sufficient

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Frequently Asked Questions

When did Season 1 Episode 1 of Law & Order air?

Season 1, Episode 1 ('Prescription for Death') originally aired on September 13, 1990.

How long is Season 1 Episode 1 ('Prescription for Death')?

The runtime for this episode is approximately 48 minutes.

What happens in Law & Order Season 1 Episode 1?

When a young woman dies during a hectic emergency room night shift, her father claims the hospital was negligent, and an investigation leads the detectives to believe that the doctor treating her may have been drunk on duty....

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