Chapter 1--Introduction to Law & Ethics PowerPoint to accompany Law & Ethics For Medical Careers Fourth Edition Judson · Harrison · Hicks Chapter 1--Introduction to Law & Ethics Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Permission required for reproduction or display

Introduction to Law & Ethics OBJECTIVES Understand importance of law & ethics to healthcare providers Learn about the history of codes of ethics and the importance of those codes today Define and determine the differences between moral values, law, ethics, bioethics, etiquette, and protocol State consequences of illegal and unethical behavior Discuss at least five bioethical issues of concern to healthcare providers

Why Study Law & Ethics? Two main reasons Help you to perform at a professional level Help you to avoid law suits Other reasons: Learn about rights, responsibilities and concerns of healthcare consumers Learn about legal and ethical issues facing society, patients, and healthcare providers Learn about the impact of rising costs on law and ethics of healthcare delivery

Law and Ethics Compared Set of governing rules Minimum standards established to protect the public Punishable by fines, imprisonment, revocation of license Ethics Principles, standards, a guide of conduct Elevates standards of competence, builds values and ideals Punishable by suspension or eviction from medical associations

Ethics and Etiquette Compared Standards of behavior that reflect right or wrong May be over and above that which is legal Are derived from moral values Etiquette Standards of behavior that reflect good manners Protocols are the standards of etiquette in your place of employment

Professional Code of Ethics Most healthcare professions have a professional association that has developed a code of ethics These codes of ethics govern the behavior of members and increase the level of competence and standards of care within the group

Ethics Committees Hospitals and other healthcare organizations have ethics committees Members include doctors, nurses, social workers and a bioethicist Help to clarify the difficult issues and look at possible alternatives May help with conflict resolution Are not policy making committees

Successful Healthcare Practitioner Qualities People Skills: Strong verbal communication skills Empathic Good writing skills Good listening skills Patient with others Is a team player Maintains confidentiality Tactful Shows a sense of responsibility Leaves work at work and home at home!!

Successful Healthcare Practitioner Qualities Technical Skills Willingness to learn new skills Computer literacy Proficient in English, science & math Aptitude for working with the hands Able to document well

Ethics Guide Discussion If you went to work in a medical office where you discovered that unnecessary medical services were being provided, what would you do? After Hurricane Charlie hit in Florida, one medical assistant found herself in a very difficult situation. When she went back to work, she knew the power had been off for at least twenty hours in the building and that all the medications in the refrigerator could have been compromised. However, several patients needed tetanus vaccinations due to injuries from cleaning up debris from the hurricane. She was told by the nurse practitioner to use the available vaccinations. What would you do?