I think the whole controversy in this case is the fact that the hospital recommended the tap and the parents refused so the cops were called. There apparently were other tests done but only a spinal tap would reveal meningitis.
The doctor should have let them go, but I'm sure he felt he'd get sued anyway and he might as well attempt to preserve a child's life if she indeed had that terrible disease. To me, this lawsuit is ridiculous! They should simply be thankful that their daughter is all right.
I think we've been doing that dance where you come up on someone heading in the opposite direction and neither of you can decide to move left or right. I'm sorry if I came on too strong, but I was in this exact situation with an eight week old who did in fact have meningitis and I can't imagine parents risking their child's life in this fashion.
I've got to run to tuck the kiddies in. School night, ya know. Friends?
I agree with you then.